Move Aims to Strengthen Healthcare Services Across the State; CHCs to Be Categorised Based on Population Coverage
Shimla: In a major step towards strengthening healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state government will provide Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) to super-speciality doctors. The decision was announced during a review meeting of the Health Department chaired by the Chief Minister on Thursday evening.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, Sukhu said that ensuring quality medical services for patients within the state remains a top priority. He emphasized that there is no shortage of funds for the modernization and upgradation of the healthcare sector.
NPA for Super-Speciality Doctors to Boost Healthcare Delivery
According to an official statement, the Chief Minister said that the government had held multiple rounds of discussions with doctors regarding healthcare reforms. As part of these efforts, Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) will now be extended to super-speciality doctors to further strengthen healthcare services and improve specialist retention in the state.
Community Health Centres to Be Categorised on Population Basis
The Chief Minister also directed the Health Department to classify Community Health Centres (CHCs) according to the population they serve. The move is intended to ensure that staffing levels and infrastructure facilities are aligned with actual healthcare requirements across different regions.
CM to Visit Health Institutions for Future Healthcare Roadmap
Sukhu announced that he would personally visit various health institutions across the state and interact with doctors and healthcare professionals to formulate a future roadmap aimed at further improving healthcare services.
Upgradation of Hospitals and Recruitment Drive Underway
Highlighting the government’s ongoing healthcare initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that districts without medical colleges are witnessing significant upgrades in zonal and regional hospitals. The government is also undertaking recruitment drives to address shortages of doctors, paramedical staff, and technicians, ensuring better access to quality healthcare services for residents.
HC Recently Stayed Recruitment of 900 Assistant Staff Nurses
The announcement comes amid recent developments in the state’s healthcare recruitment process. Earlier, the Himachal Pradesh High Court stayed the recruitment of 900 Assistant Staff Nurses (ASNs), observing that the ongoing recruitment process appeared to be outside the framework of existing statutory recruitment rules. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi directed the state government not to issue further appointment letters and restrained selected candidates from joining until further orders.
The latest decision to grant NPA to super-speciality doctors is expected to enhance specialist healthcare services and support the state’s broader healthcare reform agenda.
