India’s dermatologist numbers far below global benchmark, study finds

India has only about one dermatologist for every 100,000 people, far below the global benchmark of 5.63 per 100,000, a new Global Access to Skin Health Observatory study reports. The study, led by Harvard dermatologist Esther Freeman in partnership with the International League of Dermatological Societies and L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty, pooled data from 158 countries covering 97% of the world’s population and was published in JAMA Dermatology. In India, dermatologist density ranges from 0.5 to 1 per lakh, while the benchmark suggests 5.63 per lakh is needed for adequate access. The report notes that 79% of dermatologists worldwide work in urban areas, a pattern that hides stark local gaps. Professor Ramesh Bhat of Father Muller Medical College warns that comparing India with Europe or the Americas is misleading because of different health systems, and points to the concentration of specialists in southern cities while many rural districts lack even a general doctor. The shortage leads to delayed diagnoses, wrong treatments and steroid abuse, especially for diseases such as leprosy. Both Freeman and Bhat call for expanding primary‑care training, essential medicines, clear referral pathways and teledermatology, but stress that these tools must support, not replace, specialists. Bhat suggests medical colleges adopt nearby villages, strengthen district residency programmes and run health camps, while also establishing rural specialist clinics. He also urges higher health‑budget allocations and insurance coverage for dermatology medicines, including biologics, and a dedicated nursing specialty. The authors stress that progress must be measured by reduced travel time, waiting periods and improved outcomes, not just by the number of dermatologists. ## Context Dermatology workforce density is a standard indicator of service coverage, and low density often translates into poorer outcomes for common skin conditions that affect large parts of the population.