Expert Committee Constituted to Examine Setting Up of Centres of Excellence in Government Medical Colleges.
Initiative Aims to Strengthen Specialised Healthcare, Advanced Patient Care and Medical Research in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
On the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh government has constituted an Expert Committee to examine the proposal for establishing Centres of Excellence (Specialised Departments) in all Government Medical Colleges across the state, including the Atal Institute of Medical Super Speciality (AIMSS), Chamiana.
According to a state government spokesperson, the initiative is aimed at providing the highest level of specialised medical expertise, advanced patient care and focused research in government medical institutions. The proposed Centres of Excellence will cater to complex, rare and critical diseases requiring multidisciplinary treatment and advanced medical technology.
The initiative is also intended to reduce the need for patients from Himachal Pradesh to travel outside the state for specialised and advanced treatment.
Two to Four Specialised Departments to Be Identified in Each Medical College
As part of its mandate, the Expert Committee will identify two to four departments in each Government Medical College, including AIMSS Chamiana, which have the potential to be developed into Centres of Excellence.
These specialised centres are proposed to provide advanced multidisciplinary treatment for complex, rare and critical diseases that require specialised expertise, modern technology and facilities beyond the scope of conventional departmental services.
The proposed Centres of Excellence are expected to bring together specialists from different medical disciplines and provide comprehensive treatment for patients with complicated medical conditions.
Committee Headed by Vice Chancellor Dr. D.K. Verma
The Expert Committee will be headed by Dr. D.K. Verma, Vice Chancellor, Atal Medical Research University, Nerchowk, Mandi, as Chairman.
The other members of the committee are Dr. Gopal Beri, Director, Medical Education and Research, Shimla; Dr. Milap Sharma, Principal, Dr. RPGMC Tanda; Dr. Brij Sharma, Principal, AIMSS Chamiana; Dr. Balbir Verma, Professor of General Medicine, IGMC Shimla; and Dr. Puneet Mahajan, Professor of General Surgery, IGMC Shimla.
The Additional/Joint Director, SLBSGMC Nerchowk, Mandi, will function as the Member Secretary of the committee.
Committee to Assess Infrastructure, Technology and Manpower Requirements
The committee will undertake a detailed assessment of the requirements for establishing and strengthening the proposed Centres of Excellence. This will include evaluation of advanced medical technology, infrastructure upgradation, specialised manpower, medical equipment, training requirements and financial implications.
Based on its assessment, the committee will prepare recommendations that are expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening tertiary and super-speciality healthcare facilities in Himachal Pradesh.
Focus on Advanced Treatment and Medical Research
The state government spokesperson said the proposed initiative would help establish specialised centres equipped with modern technology and multidisciplinary expertise. The Centres of Excellence would also strengthen the academic and research environment in the state’s medical institutions.
The initiative is expected to facilitate greater collaboration among different medical specialties and promote focused research in areas requiring advanced clinical expertise.
The committee has been directed to submit its detailed report within two weeks.
The spokesperson said that strengthening specialised healthcare services within the state remains an important priority of the government. Establishing Centres of Excellence in Government Medical Colleges would enable patients to access advanced and multidisciplinary treatment closer to their homes.
The initiative would also contribute to strengthening medical education, specialised training and targeted clinical research in Himachal Pradesh, while enhancing the capacity of government medical institutions to manage complex and critical diseases within the state.
