Himachal Pradesh sets December 2026 deadline for 90 percent staffing in Govt medical colleges

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government aims to achieve 90 per cent staffing across government medical colleges by December 31, 2026, covering doctors, paramedical personnel and other support staff, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. 

The announcement was made during the Chief Minister's visit to Kangra district, where he outlined several measures to strengthen healthcare services and improve staffing at government health institutions.

The government will also ensure round-the-clock functioning of the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Kasba Kotla by providing the required manpower. Sukhu said adequate staffing was essential to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that patients have access to services when required.

In Hamirpur, the state government plans to establish an Allied and Health Care Medical College, with efforts underway to start the institution at the earliest. The announcement came after the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a new Government Senior Secondary School building at Nadaun, which is being constructed for Rs 17.52 crore.

The state is also working towards setting up an AIIMS-level Ayurvedic institution in Hamirpur.

According to Hindustan Times, the CM said that the land measuring around 74 bighas had been identified for the proposed institution and the bidding process had also been initiated. He said that Himachal Pradesh had become one of the five shortlisted states for the project.

Another healthcare-related initiative announced by the government is an ozone-based drinking water treatment project in Dehra, which will be the first such project in the state. The government has allocated Rs 46 crore for the project, with similar facilities proposed for other areas in the future.

The Chief Minister also alleged financial irregularities under the previous BJP government, including alleged discrepancies in claims made under the HIMCARE health insurance scheme. He also raised allegations concerning land allotments in Baddi and transactions related to the expansion of Kangra airport.

Sukhu said inquiries had been ordered into the allegations and that appropriate action would follow if irregularities are established.

Apart from healthcare initiatives, the Chief Minister announced the construction of a new ghat along the Beas river near Nadaun bridge, with an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore.

The announcements form part of the state government's efforts to expand healthcare and allied services, strengthen medical institutions and improve public infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh.