Geriatric Workforce Development for Geriatric Health Care: An Indian Perspective

India is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with the proportion of older adults projected to reach 20% by 2050. Despite this shift, the country faces a critical shortage of trained geriatric health professionals across all levels of care. Current initiatives – such as the Indira Gandhi National Open University Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Medicine, the certificate course from the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Christian Medical College Vellore, and recent efforts by the National Medical Commission – have had a limited impact due to inadequate institutional support, a lack of incentives, and insufficient integration into mainstream curricula. This review critically examines the status of geriatric workforce development in India, identifies systemic gaps, and explores opportunities for reform. Drawing on national policy frameworks such as the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly and global calls from the UN Decade of Healthy Aging, we propose a multipronged strategy. Recommendations include: (1) introducing structured geriatrics modules in the MBBS curriculum; (2) Including geriatrics in MD and DM programs with training of faculty in Geriatrics; (3) strengthening nursing, allied health, and rehabilitation training in geriatric care; and (4) leveraging tele-geriatrics and continuing professional development for practicing clinicians. A coordinated approach involving academic institutions, policymakers, and professional councils is urgently needed to build a competent geriatric workforce and ensure healthy aging for India’s growing elderly population.