CM Sukhu Greenlights Recruitment of Specialist Robotic Surgeons; Chamiyana to Offer AIIMS-Level Healthcare.
Shimla:
In a landmark move to revolutionize the healthcare landscape of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minist Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the immediate commencement of recruitment for specialist robotic surgeons. This step is part of the State Government’s broader strategy to integrate advanced medical technologies, including robotic surgery, into government health institutions across the State.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Health Department late Friday evening, the Chief Minister announced that a proposal detailing the recruitment rules for robotic surgeons would soon be tabled before the State Cabinet. These specialists will not only conduct surgeries but also train other medical professionals, creating a skilled pool of doctors equipped in robotic surgical procedures.
Chamiyana to Match AIIMS Standards
Highlighting the State’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare, CM Sukhu said that the Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialty in Chamiyana will offer services at par with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Robotic surgery services are expected to begin at this state-of-the-art facility in the near future.
He further announced that a robotic surgical system will also be installed at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. Additionally, the Chief Minister directed the Health Department to initiate the process for installing robotic surgical equipment at Hamirpur Medical College and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce
In an effort to enhance healthcare delivery, the CM stressed the urgent need to fill vacant posts in the health sector. He revealed that the Directorate of Medical Education will recruit 100 new medical officers and 50 nurses at Chamiyana in the coming days. Recruitment is also underway for paramedical staff, technicians, and support personnel to boost the State’s healthcare infrastructure.
In a major relief for medical support staff, CM Sukhu announced a significant hike in their monthly honorariums. Operation Theatre Assistants will now receive Rs. 25,000, up from Rs. 17,820, while Radiographers and X-ray Technicians will also see their pay rise from Rs. 13,100 to Rs. 25,000.
Expanding Paramedical Education After 23 Years
Recognizing the growing demand for trained professionals in the healthcare sector, the Chief Minister announced a long-awaited expansion in the intake capacity of paramedical education programs — the first in over two decades. At IGMC Shimla, the number of seats in B.Sc. courses such as Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology & Imaging, and Anesthesia & OT Technology has been increased from 10 to 50. Similarly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, will now offer 50 seats in each of these programs, up from the previous 18.
“This will provide local youth with an opportunity to gain specialized medical training within the State and address the chronic shortage of skilled healthcare professionals,” said the Chief Minister.
The review 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.
With this robust push for technological advancement and capacity building, Himachal Pradesh is set to emerge as a leader in accessible, modern healthcare in the public sector.
