Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced a landmark overhaul of Himachal Pradesh’s health sector, declaring that transformative changes would be visible within one year and that the state would rank number one in healthcare services nationwide within the next three years.
Speaking at the first-ever State-Level Health Dialogue Session held at Peterhoff, Shimla, the Chief Minister revealed that Rs. 1,300 crore would be spent under JICA Phase-II to strengthen healthcare delivery. Additionally, nearly Rs. 3,000 crore will be invested over the next three years to equip health institutions with world-class, high-end medical technology.
In an unprecedented initiative, the Chief Minister held a nearly four-and-a-half-hour direct interaction with Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Medical Superintendents (MSs). The dialogue focused on grassroots challenges, administrative bottlenecks and policy reforms, with several long-pending issues resolved on the spot.
Highlighting the importance of strong health administration, the Chief Minister announced major decentralization of administrative and financial powers. CMOs, BMOs and MSs will be granted enhanced financial authority, with amendments to Financial Rules to simplify and expedite procedures. Sanitation-related financial powers will be delegated to CMOs, and special dedicated funds will be created for CMOs and MSs to meet urgent hospital needs.
The Chief Minister said the government is actively considering an increase in the salary of Job Trainee Doctors. He informed that recruitment for 236 doctors is underway, while 150 additional posts have already been sanctioned. To ensure transparency, marks from both written examinations and interviews will be included in the final merit list.
Model Health Institutions being developed across the state were described as game changers. These facilities will be equipped with globally benchmarked technology, replacement of medical equipment older than 15 years, and assured Operation Theatre facilities, significantly improving patient care and reducing doctors’ workload.
Security in health institutions will be strengthened through the Ex-Servicemen Corporation, while rationalisation of Primary Health Centres and delivery points will be undertaken based on defined parameters to enhance efficiency and accessibility. The Chief Minister also directed that all health institution buildings with over 60 percent construction progress be completed by 31 March 2026.
Emphasizing quality standards, he said all medical equipment would be procured as per AIIMS specifications, and CT Scan machines would carry a 10-year comprehensive maintenance guarantee. Advanced technologies such as robotic surgery and smart laboratories are being integrated, with robotic surgery already operational at Chamiyana and Tanda hospitals and soon to be introduced at Nerchowk and Hamirpur. So far, 120 successful robotic surgeries have been conducted at Chamiyana Hospital.
An investment of Rs. 75 crore will be made to establish Smart Labs, enabling multiple diagnostic tests from a single blood sample for faster and patient-friendly diagnostics. Reforms will also be introduced in Rogi Kalyan Samitis, while the audit of the HIMCARE scheme is underway to further strengthen it. Medical Superintendents will be empowered to issue up to 100 HIMCARE cards.
Stressing the human dimension of healthcare, the Chief Minister urged doctors to exhibit compassion, sensitivity and calm behaviour, noting that humane conduct significantly contributes to patient recovery.
Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil thanked the Chief Minister for prioritizing the health sector and said sustained efforts are underway to deliver quality services in Model Health Institutions. Secretary Health Priyanka Basu Ingty and Director Health Services Gopal Berry also shared departmental progress and insights during the session.
