Himachal gears up for modern healthcare infrastructure
Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its healthcare sector, driven by Vyavastha Parivartan, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Recognizing health and education as the foundation of a progressive society, the state government has prioritized modernization and expansion of medical infrastructure.
The Chief Minister has recently held an in-depth discussion with the doctors and other faculty members of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Tanda, Indira Gandhi medical College, Shimla and Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities, Chamiyana, Shimla (AIMSS). He reviewed staff requirements and took feedback regarding modern medical technologies and equipment aimed at modernizing health sector.
A spokesperson of the state government said that for the first time in Himachal Pradesh robotic surgery in being introduced in the state. The machines for robotic surgery have already reached the AIMSS and the government would soon recruit specialist robotic surgeons for smooth operation of the machines.
The spokesperson added that all the medical colleges, Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans and other medical institutions across Himachal Pradesh will soon be equipped with modern healthcare machines and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The government is committed to transforming the health sector by ensuring the availability of cutting-edge equipment, including CT scans, X-ray units, ultrasound machines, phaco systems and other diagnostic tools.
In a significant move to strengthen the healthcare system, the government has also decided to replace outdated health equipment which was in use since over two decades, including outdated MRI and X-Ray machines etc. The equipment which are in use for the past 18-20 years, would be replaced with the state-of-the-art machinery on par with the equipments being used by the leading health institutions in India, like AIIMS, Delhi and PGI Chandigarh.
To facilitate these purchases, the government has made adequate budgetary provisions. “The Government was procuring 3 Tesla MRI machines which were similar to the ones being used in AIMMS Delhi,” said the spokesperson. The existing MRI machines in the hospitals are around two decades old, therefore outdated, whereas 3 Tesla MRI machines offer faster results, better resolution and image quality.
These steps are aimed at ensuring timely and quality healthcare for the people of the state, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas who have long struggled with limited access to diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Earlier, due to the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, patients often had to travel to neighboring states in search of better diagnostic and treatment options. Recognizing this gap, the present government has taken a proactive stance to not only improve medical infrastructure but also address the shortage of medical professionals.
The spokesperson stated that in addition to up-gradation of equipment the state government has recruited qualified and specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. The government’s substantial recruitment efforts have resulted in appointment of over 185 Medical Officers, 130 Staff Nurses, 67 Lab Technicians, 45 Pharmacist Officers, and creating 491 new posts across multiple healthcare categories. Rs. 1,730 crores has been allocated for modern medical equipment for the fiscal 2025-26. This would strengthen the service delivery mechanism and ensure that new machines and technologies are operated efficiently for the benefit of the people.
The government has increased seats in providing training in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory, Radiology & Imaging, and Anaesthesia & OT Techniques from 10 to 50 at IGMC Shimla, and from 18 to 50 at Dr. RPGMC Tanda, ensuring more opportunities for Himachali youth to receive quality training within the State.
The government has also decided to establish Automatic labs in IGMC Shimla, Tanda Medical College and AIMSS Chamiyana. “A total of Rs. 75 crore, Rs. 25 crore each for one institution, has been released by the government,” said the spokesperson.
To provide quality healthcare access to the underprivileged, the government has further strengthened the HIMCARE scheme. Over 5.80 lakh people in Himachal Pradesh have benefitted so far, with the government spending approximately Rs. 810 crore on free treatments. The scheme focuses on supporting those who genuinely lack resources, including economically weaker sections, orphans, single women, widows, children and various other sections, while excluding government employees to ensure benefits reach the truly deserving. To streamline the process, HIMCARE cards will now be issued quarterly – in March, June, September and December. However, understanding the critical importance of timely healthcare, the government has empowered principals of medical colleges and medical superintendents to authorize the issuance of cards at any time in special cases, based on financial status, disease severity or other valid reasons. Each card remains valid for one year. The application portal will open quarterly for one month to facilitate timely renewals and ensure uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services. This proactive approach ensures equitable access to medical care, particularly for the vulnerable, and promotes timely inclusion and renewal of beneficiaries in the scheme.
The government is fully aware that access to quality healthcare is a basic right and is committed to ensuring that every citizen receives it without financial or logistical hardships. With these bold initiatives, Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving toward building a robust and modern healthcare ecosystem that is self-reliant, accessible and patient-centric. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is poised to become a model state for healthcare excellence and a sought-after destination for health tourism.
