Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu met Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday evening.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to enhance the state’s annual allocation under the National Health Mission (NHM) by ₹200 crore for the next financial year. He also sought the establishment of three dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in the state to strengthen healthcare facilities for critically ill patients.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain, Sukhu requested that the Centre’s contribution under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme continue at the 90:10 funding ratio.
The Chief Minister also apprised the Union Minister of the extensive damage caused by recent natural disasters in the state and briefed him on ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. He sought additional central support for rebuilding infrastructure and assisting disaster-affected families.
Sukhu further urged the Union Health Minister to raise the issue of increasing the state’s borrowing limit by 2 percent with the Union Finance Minister, citing the need for fiscal flexibility in light of current challenges.
Nadda assured the Chief Minister that the state’s demands would be considered on priority and expressed appreciation for Himachal Pradesh’s initiatives to improve healthcare services. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the state’s development efforts.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
