CM Sukhu, while presiding over the IRIS-2025 programme at Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Nerchowk (Mandi district), announced that robotic surgery will commence at the institution later this year. This initiative will position Nerchowk Medical College among the few in the state equipped with cutting-edge surgical technology.
To further strengthen healthcare services, the Chief Minister sanctioned ₹28 crore for the installation of an MRI machine, expected to be operational within the next two months. He also approved ₹12 crore for setting up a cath lab, with ₹9 crore already released.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to modernising healthcare, CM Sukhu said that outdated medical equipment hampers doctors’ capabilities, and thus, the government is replacing obsolete machinery with state-of-the-art technology. Robotic surgeries have already started at Chamiyana and RPGMC Tanda, with 45 successful procedures performed using this advanced method.
The Chief Minister also announced the rollout of AIIMS-model smart diagnostic laboratories across all medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh, enabling 100 diagnostic tests from a single blood sample. For this project, ₹75 crore has been sanctioned.
Addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, the CM informed that medical college intake has been increased, and 38 new posts have been created in the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Apart from healthcare, CM Sukhu spoke extensively on education reforms. Since taking office, the government has implemented policy changes that led to a 60% improvement in education, pushing the state’s national education ranking from 21st to 5th. He credited the teaching community for this achievement.
He criticised the previous BJP-led government for opening schools without providing basic facilities, forcing the current administration to close many of them. The present government is now establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools in every assembly constituency and introducing English-medium education from Class I in 100 CBSE-aligned schools.
Encouraging students, the CM shared his own political journey starting at age 26 and advised them to stay resilient and committed. He also announced a ₹5 lakh grant for cultural activities for students.
During his visit, the CM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projects worth ₹8.37 crore at the medical college. These include:
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Foundation stone for a Students’ Hostel (₹5.98 crore)
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Inauguration of the State Midwifery Training Institute and Skill Lab (₹80 lakh)
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Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (₹6 lakh)
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Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (₹76 lakh)
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Endoscopy Unit (₹23 lakh)
The Chief Minister received a hearty welcome en route from Sundernagar to Nerchowk, with Congress workers and locals greeting him at various stops.
