In a landmark move to address the shortage of trained technical staff in healthcare, the Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to significantly increase the number of seats in paramedical courses—the first such enhancement in 23 years. The step aims to strengthen health services across the state by ensuring the availability of skilled manpower essential for operating modern medical equipment and delivering specialized care.
A government spokesperson stated that under the leadership of CM Sukhu, the state is prioritizing the expansion of health infrastructure to make specialized medical services more accessible to residents within Himachal Pradesh.
Currently, the availability of paramedical training seats in government institutions has been limited. To address this, the government has increased the intake for several key courses at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda (Kangra).
At IGMC Shimla, the intake capacity for B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology & Imaging, and B.Sc. Anaesthesia & Operation Theatre Technology has been increased from 10 to 50 seats per course. Similarly, at Tanda Medical College, the same courses have seen a rise from 18 to 50 seats per course.
This expansion is expected to not only reduce the reliance on out-of-state institutions for training but also provide local youth with quality education and better job prospects in the medical field.
The government is also working actively to create and fill vacancies in the healthcare sector while simultaneously expanding nursing and paramedical training programs.
The spokesperson emphasized that this move will ensure a steady supply of trained professionals, improving healthcare delivery across the state. It aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision to transform Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare system, bringing it on par with national institutions like AIIMS Delhi.
This initiative marks a significant step toward achieving comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality health services for all citizens of the state.