New Performance-Linked Incentive Policy for Doctors
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has unveiled a comprehensive Incentive Policy aimed at strengthening healthcare services and improving medical education across the state. The announcement came during the Stimulus-2025-26 event of the Central Students’ Union at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. The new policy ties benefits for doctors to measurable performance parameters to enhance service delivery.
Significant Hike in Stipends for PG Resident Doctors
In a major relief for medical residents, Sukhu announced a substantial increase in stipends for postgraduate doctors. Beginning with the upcoming state budget, first-year residents will receive ₹50,000 per month, second-year residents ₹60,000, and third-year residents ₹65,000. This move aims to support young doctors and improve their working conditions.
Reduced Working Hours and Higher Stipends for Senior Residents
The government has also capped duty hours for resident doctors at 12 hours per shift to ensure better work–life balance. Senior residents will now receive a stipend of ₹1 lakh per month, up from ₹60,000, while super-specialty department stipends have been raised to ₹1.30 lakh, boosting morale and encouraging specialization.
Major Investments in Medical Infrastructure at IGMC
To upgrade clinical facilities, ₹5 crore has been allocated for laparoscopic equipment and ₹6 crore for strengthening the Department of Anaesthesia at IGMC. The Chief Minister also directed authorities to speed up land transfer for a new student hostel and instructed the Principal to complete shifting the gynaecology wing from Kamla Nehru Hospital to IGMC.
Advanced Technology to Be Installed in Five Medical Colleges
Reiterating the government’s vision of providing world-class diagnostic services within Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu announced that five medical colleges in the state will soon receive advanced medical technologies, including robotic surgery by 2026.
Boost to Bone Marrow Transplant and Smart Lab Facilities
In another major announcement, the Chief Minister confirmed a ₹5 crore allocation each for bone marrow transplant infrastructure at six major medical institutions, including IGMC, AIMSS Chamiyana, Tanda, Mandi, and Hamirpur. Additionally, ₹75 crore has been sanctioned for developing smart labs at IGMC, Tanda Medical College, and the Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiana.
Rs 3,000 Crore Investment to Upgrade State Healthcare
According to Tribune India, Sukhu highlighted the government’s decision to invest over ₹3,000 crore to upgrade healthcare infrastructure statewide. He said outdated equipment—some over two decades old—will be replaced with advanced machinery comparable to AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh.
Expansion of Medical Courses and Strengthening Education Network
The government has significantly increased seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging, Anaesthesia, and OT Technology programs—from 10 to 50 at IGMC and from 18 to 50 at Tanda Medical College. Over the last three years, ₹1,207 crore has been spent to upgrade medical education infrastructure. New postgraduate courses have been introduced in Chamba, Hamirpur, and Nerchowk medical colleges, and emergency departments have been established across all institutions. A total of 57 casualty medical officers have been recruited and 32 specialist posts created to strengthen emergency care services.
