Major Healthcare Boost Across Himachal Medical Colleges

In a major milestone for state healthcare, Himachal Pradesh has secured NMC approval to expand postgraduate (PG) medical seats across six government medical colleges from 277 to 597. Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil termed this 320-seat addition the largest single expansion in 40 years, driven by CM Sukhu’s initiative to address shortages of specialist doctors statewide.

The seat boost spans key state institutions, led by IGMC Shimla rising from 139 to 230 seats and RPGMC Tanda jumping from 99 to 156 seats. SLBSGMC Mandi increases from 24 to 79 seats, while Dr. Radhakrishnan GMC Hamirpur climbs from 8 to 65 seats. Regional medical centers also saw significant gains, with Dr. YS Parmar GMC Nahan expanding from 3 to 35 seats and Pt. JLN GMC Chamba rising from 4 to 32 seats.

To support academic training and clinical care, the state has created 218 new Senior Resident and Tutor Specialist positions over the last three years across state medical colleges and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties, Chamiyana. This includes major faculty additions in Hamirpur (63), Tanda (54), Mandi (36), Chamba (32), and Nahan (31).

Dr. Shandil highlighted that producing more home-grown specialists will directly benefit rural and far-flung regions. By strengthening local government hospitals, the government aims to deliver advanced medical treatment closer to home and eliminate the need for Himachali patients to travel outside the state for specialized care.