Himachal Pradesh took a major leap forward in modern healthcare with the launch of its first robotic surgery facility at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS), Chamiyana, in Shimla. CM Sukhu inaugurated the cutting-edge facility and witnessed the first surgery performed using this advanced technology, marking a historic day in the State’s medical landscape.
Following the launch, the Chief Minister held a review meeting with the hospital staff and assured full government support to strengthen the institute’s infrastructure and services. During the meeting, he announced several key initiatives including the creation of new departments, recruitment of lab technicians and dialysis technicians, and the construction of a new hostel with a budget of ₹11 crore. Additionally, he announced an allocation of ₹23 crore for setting up an in-house automated laboratory at Chamiyana. The facility will also soon be equipped with a high-end 3-Tesla MRI machine, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Sharing a personal anecdote, CM Sukhu recalled undergoing robotic surgery himself five years ago. He said that experience planted the seed of this vision, which has now become a reality. He emphasized that this technology will now make advanced surgical care accessible to the common man. The State plans to expand robotic surgery services to IGMC Shimla, Nerchowk, Tanda, and Hamirpur Medical Colleges in a phased manner.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s strong focus on modernizing healthcare infrastructure, with over ₹3,000 crore being invested in replacing outdated machines and upgrading technology. He announced that the 20-year-old MRI machine at IGMC Shimla would be replaced soon. He also shared that, for the first time in over 23 years, the State has increased seats in paramedical courses to boost local training opportunities. At IGMC Shimla, seats for B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology & Imaging, and Anaesthesia & OT Technology have been increased from 10 to 50. At Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda, the same courses will now have 50 seats, up from 18. He added that automated labs would also be set up in Tanda, Nerchowk, Hamirpur, Nahan, and Chamba to ensure faster and more efficient testing for patients.
Reaffirming that health sector reforms are a top priority, the Chief Minister stated that there is no shortage of funds for healthcare. He also mentioned his ongoing engagement with doctors at various institutions, including recent discussions at Shimla and Tanda, and an upcoming visit to Nerchowk to collect feedback and implement improvements. He linked these developments to his broader governance mission — “Vyavstha Parivartan” — aimed at making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a paperless lab at AIMSS, making it the first government hospital in the State to provide online access to medical reports. Patients will receive their reports directly on mobile devices, while doctors can access them seamlessly through hospital systems. CM Sukhu appreciated the efforts of the hospital staff and emphasized improving the registration system to make it more patient-friendly.
Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil hailed the occasion as a revolutionary step in the State’s healthcare sector, expressing confidence that Himachal Pradesh will soon be a model for other States in delivering high-quality healthcare.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh thanked the Chief Minister for establishing the robotic surgery facility and requested improved residential facilities for doctors and staff. Dr. Brij Sharma, Principal of Chamiyana Medical College, stated that the hospital is now equipped with one of the most advanced robotic surgical systems in India, surpassing even PGI Chandigarh and matching the capabilities of AIIMS Delhi. The facility is expected to conduct 400 robotic surgeries in the next six months.
The event was also attended by MLA Ajay Solanki, CM’s Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, CM’s Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, and other dignitaries.
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