Robotic Surgery Now a Reality for the Common Man: CM Sukhu Inaugurates State’s First Facility at Chamiyana. 

CM announces Rs. 23 crore for automated lab, Rs. 11 crore for hostel; launches paperless lab and promises expansion of robotic surgery across Himachal. 

Shimla:

In a groundbreaking advancement for Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare sector, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the State’s first robotic surgery facility at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS), Chamiyana (Shimla). The occasion marked a historic moment as the first robotic surgery was successfully performed at the institute in the CM’s presence.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu announced significant allocations to boost healthcare infrastructure:

• Rs. 23 crore for establishing an in-house automated laboratory at AIMSS Chamiyana
• Rs. 11 crore for constructing a hostel to accommodate medical staff and students

He also announced the recruitment of lab and dialysis technicians and the creation of new medical departments. A high-end 3-Tesla MRI machine will soon be installed to enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Robotic Surgery for All

Highlighting the importance of this new facility, the Chief Minister said, “Five years ago, I personally underwent robotic surgery, and today we’ve made this cutting-edge technology accessible to the common people of Himachal.” He added that robotic surgery services will be rolled out in a phased manner at IGMC Shimla, Nerchowk, Tanda, and Hamirpur Medical Colleges.

Modernizing Healthcare: A Rs. 3,000-Crore Push

The CM reiterated his government’s commitment to health sector reforms, stating that over Rs. 3,000 crore is being invested to upgrade healthcare technology and replace outdated machines, including the 20-year-old MRI machine at IGMC Shimla.

In a long-awaited move, the state has also increased technician course seats after 23 years:

• At IGMC Shimla:
  • B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
  • B.Sc. Radiology & Imaging
  • B.Sc. Anaesthesia & OT Technology
  • Seats increased from 10 to 50
• At Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda:
  • Seats raised from 18 to 50 for the same programs

Automated in-house laboratories will also be set up at Tanda, Nerchowk, Hamirpur, Nahan, and Chamba, further easing patient care and diagnostics.

Chamiyana Leads with Digital Innovation

In another first, the Chamiyana hospital became the first government hospital in Himachal Pradesh to launch a fully paperless lab system. Patients can now access all their reports via mobile phones, while doctors will be able to review them directly through the hospital system.

CM Sukhu praised the staff and instructed officials to streamline registration processes to make them more patient-friendly.

Leaders Applaud Revolutionary Steps

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil called the launch of robotic surgery a “revolutionary leap” and said Himachal Pradesh is poised to set an example for other states in modern healthcare delivery.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh thanked the CM for his bold initiatives and urged for improved residential facilities for medical staff.

Dr. Brij Sharma, Principal of the Chamiyana Medical College, highlighted that the robotic surgery equipment installed is among the most advanced in India—even more sophisticated than what’s available at PGI Chandigarh, and on par with AIIMS Delhi. The facility plans to perform over 400 robotic surgeries in the next six months.

A Vision for Vyavastha Parivartan

Stressing on the theme of “Vyavastha Parivartan” (Systemic Transformation), CM Sukhu said he is personally engaging with doctors across the state to drive healthcare reforms. After detailed discussions in Shimla and Tanda, he will soon visit Nerchowk to gather feedback and implement changes.

The inauguration event was attended by MLA Ajay Solanki, Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Mayor of Shimla Surender Chauhan, Chief Minister’s Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, and other prominent dignitaries.

With today’s developments, Himachal Pradesh takes a giant leap forward in making advanced, equitable, and technology-driven healthcare a reality for all its citizens.