Shimla:
In a decisive move to tackle the acute shortage of medical specialists, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a significant hike in monthly stipends for doctors, ranging between 50% and 170%. Senior residents and tutor specialists will now receive ₹1 lakh per month, up from ₹60,000–₹65,000. The stipend for super specialists has been increased to ₹1.30 lakh.
According to a government statement quoted by PTI, doctors on study leave will also be entitled to full pay. The hike is aimed at making government service more attractive for qualified medical professionals, especially amid the current shortfall of 376 specialists across the state’s medical colleges.
Himachal Pradesh currently has six medical colleges and one super-speciality hospital. Of the 751 sanctioned posts for specialists, only 375 are currently filled — a gap that has strained healthcare delivery in the state.
“This step is part of the government’s strategy to attract and retain medical talent by offering competitive compensation,” the statement said.
Health department data reveals that 9.5 lakh patients leave the state each year for treatment, causing an estimated economic loss of ₹1,350 crore annually. The government believes that by improving in-state healthcare services, around ₹550 crore could be retained within the state economy.
