Recruitment for specialist surgeons and medical staff underway; advanced systems to be installed in multiple institutions
Shimla: In a major push to modernize public healthcare, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to introduce robotic surgery services across its government-run health institutions. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state will soon begin recruiting specialist robotic surgeons, with a proposal for recruitment rules being placed before the State Cabinet for approval.
During a late evening Health Department review meeting on Friday, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality, technology-driven medical care to the people of Himachal.
“Modern technologies and medical equipment are being installed in all government medical colleges and health institutions to ensure quality healthcare,” he said.
Robotic Surgery to Begin at Key Medical Institutions
The Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialty, Chamiyana, will be the first to offer AIIMS-level robotic surgery, followed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. The Chief Minister also directed the installation of robotic surgical systems at Hamirpur Medical College and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
In addition to conducting surgeries, the newly recruited specialists will train other doctors in robotic techniques to build a skilled medical workforce within the state.
Boost to Healthcare Infrastructure and Staffing
To reinforce the state’s medical infrastructure, the Directorate of Medical Education will soon recruit:
- 100 new medical officers
- 50 additional nurses for Chamiyana
- Paramedical staff, technicians, and other essential support personnel
The Chief Minister also announced a significant hike in honorariums:
- Operation Theatre Assistants: from ₹17,820 to ₹25,000
- Radiographers and X-ray Technicians: from ₹13,100 to ₹25,000
First Expansion in Paramedical Education in 23 Years
In a landmark move to address the shortage of trained medical personnel, the state has increased intake capacity in paramedical courses for the first time in over two decades.
At IGMC Shimla, seats in:
- B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
- B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging
- B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology
have been increased from 10 to 50 each.
Similarly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, will increase seats in the same courses from 18 to 50 each, enabling more local students to pursue professional medical education within the state.
Leadership in Attendance
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma, and other senior officials.
