Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Health Department to accelerate reforms in medical education and healthcare delivery, with a particular focus on strengthening research, modernising diagnostic services and ensuring patients receive timely treatment within the state.
Chairing a review meeting of the Health Department on Saturday, the Chief Minister said medical research must become an integral part of the state’s healthcare system. He announced that a dedicated research department would initially be established at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, with the model subsequently extended to other government medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh.
Emphasising the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, Sukhu directed health institutions to ensure that essential diagnostic investigations, including MRI, CT scans and X-rays, are conducted without unnecessary waiting periods. The move is aimed at reducing delays in treatment and improving the overall patient experience in government hospitals.
₹75 crore for automated laboratory facilities
The Chief Minister also placed strong emphasis on strengthening in-house laboratory services. He said the state government has sanctioned ₹75 crore for establishing automated laboratories at three major medical institutions—Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties, Chamiyana; IGMC Shimla; and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda.
The proposed automated laboratories will enable multiple diagnostic tests to be carried out simultaneously from a single blood sample, improving efficiency while reducing the need for repeated sample collection.
According to the Chief Minister, the procurement process for the required equipment has already begun, with tenders floated for the establishment of these advanced laboratory facilities.
No shortage of funds for healthcare upgrades
Sukhu reiterated that financial constraints would not be allowed to hinder the modernisation of healthcare infrastructure in the state. He said the government is prepared to provide the necessary resources for upgrading medical facilities and improving the quality of services available to patients.
The government is also considering a new system for procuring medicines directly from manufacturers. The objective is to ensure better availability of medicines while maintaining quality standards and improving supply-chain efficiency across government healthcare institutions.
Better working environment for medical staff
The Chief Minister said healthcare reforms must also address the working conditions of doctors, nurses and other medical and paramedical personnel. The government, he said, is working towards creating a more supportive and efficient workplace environment for healthcare professionals.
Sukhu added that the ongoing reform process has been shaped by direct interactions with faculty members and doctors working in medical colleges across the state. Suggestions received from medical professionals have already been incorporated into the government’s reform strategy.
He said he would soon visit various medical colleges personally to interact with faculty and healthcare professionals and understand their requirements and challenges at the institutional level.
Focus on world-class healthcare within Himachal
Reiterating the government’s broader vision, the Chief Minister said improving healthcare delivery remains one of the state’s foremost priorities. The objective, he said, is to ensure that people do not have to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced medical treatment and that government institutions are equipped to provide quality, modern healthcare within the state.
The initiatives announced during the meeting—ranging from medical research and automated laboratories to faster diagnostics, improved medicine procurement and better working conditions—are part of the government’s wider effort to build a more responsive and technologically equipped public healthcare system.
MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Harish Janartha, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar and other senior officers were present at the meeting.
