Punjab Newsline, Himachal
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presided over the annual function ‘Stimulus’ 2025-26 organized by the Central Students’ Union of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. Congratulating the students and organizers for hosting a vibrant programme, he said that IGMC students have consistently excelled in academics, research, and extracurricular fields, bringing laurels to the State at national and international levels.
Addressing the gathering, the CM announced the introduction of an Incentive Policy for doctors, based on multiple performance parameters. He further declared that in the upcoming Budget, the monthly stipend for PG resident doctors will be increased to ₹50,000 in the first year, ₹60,000 in the second year, and ₹65,000 in the third year.
The CM also announced ₹5 crore for laparoscopic facilities and ₹6 crore for the Department of Anaesthesia at IGMC. He directed the authorities to expedite the land transfer process for the construction of the new student hostel and instructed the Principal to ensure swift shifting of the Gynaecology wing from Kamla Nehru Hospital to IGMC.
He said the State Government is committed to providing world-class diagnostic services within Himachal Pradesh. As part of this vision, he announced ₹5 crore each for developing Bone Marrow infrastructure at IGMC, AIMSS Chamiyana, Tanda Medical College, Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College Mandi (Ner Chowk), and Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College Hamirpur. Additionally, ₹5 lakh was sanctioned for the Central Students’ Union for the cultural programme.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize health services, the CM said that ₹75 crore has been approved for setting up smart labs at IGMC, Tanda Medical College and the Super Specialty Hospital, Chamiyana. He noted that Himachal Pradesh has, for the first time, introduced robotic surgery facilities, with installations at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities in Chamiyana and Tanda Medical College.
He stated that the Government has decided to invest over ₹3,000 crore to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and replace outdated medical equipment with advanced machinery comparable to that of AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh. To strengthen medical education, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory, Radiology & Imaging, Anaesthesia and OT Technology has been increased significantly at IGMC and Tanda.
The CM said that resident doctors’ working hours have been rationalized from 36-hour shifts to a maximum of 12 hours. The stipend for senior residents has been raised from ₹60,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month, and from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,30,000 in super-specialty departments. He added that the Government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of students and doctors, and has spent ₹1,207 crore in the past three years to strengthen medical education infrastructure.
PG courses have been introduced in Chamba, Hamirpur and Nerchowk medical colleges, and Emergency Medicine Departments have been established across all medical colleges. He said that 57 Casualty Medical Officers have been recruited directly and 32 specialist posts have been created for emergency services — an initiative introduced for the first time in the country.
The CM said that the Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiyana has become functional, while the Trauma Centre and new OPD Block have started at IGMC. He reaffirmed the Government’s vision to make Himachal Pradesh a model State in healthcare and education, ensuring self-reliance in the years to come.
On the occasion, the CM honoured students and doctors for their achievements. The event also featured a vibrant cultural programme. Principal Dr. Sita Thakur apprised the CM about the college’s requirements, while Professor Dr. Piyush Kapila proposed the vote of thanks. Several dignitaries, including Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, and senior officials from the medical education and health departments, were present.