Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
After successfully bringing reforms in the education sector, the Himachal Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has now focused its efforts on revolutionizing the health sector. With a vision to provide world-class healthcare services at people’s doorsteps, the government has initiated several measures to upgrade health infrastructure and services.
A major milestone has been achieved with the introduction of robotic surgery at the Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialty, Chamiyana (Shimla) and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. This advanced facility will also be extended in a phased manner in government medical colleges Hamirpur, Chamba, Ner Chowk, and Nahan. Alongside, technology upgrades are being undertaken in zonal, regional and civil hospitals to ensure modern treatment facilities across the State.
A Government Spokesperson said today that soon after assuming office, the present Government accorded top priority to strengthening health services by equipping institutions with modern medical equipments, specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. This initiative aims to ensure that people no longer have to travel outside the State for specialized healthcare.
Recently, the government approved the bifurcation of the unified cadre of 3020 Medical Officers into Medical Officers (General) and Medical Officers (Specialists). Under this, 2337 posts will be designated for Medical Officers (General) with MBBS as the entry qualification, primarily catering to OPD/IPD and preventive healthcare. A total of 683 posts will be allocated to Medical Officer (Specialists), requiring MBBS with PG degree/diploma, who will provide specialized clinical services. This reform is expected to align the healthcare workforce with present and future medical challenges.
To address the shortage of staff, the government has approved the recruitment of 200 Medical Officers as Job Trainees, 38 Assistant Professors in various Super-Specialty Departments and 400 Staff Nurses as Job Trainees in different health institutions of the State. These measures will significantly strengthen medical colleges and hospitals in delivering specialized healthcare to the people.
The Spokesperson reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the State Government to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and provide affordable, specialized treatment at people’s doorsteps, ensuring that patients receive advanced medical care within the State itself. He added that these initiatives will eliminate the need for people to travel outside Himachal Pradesh in search of better health facilities.