CM Sukhu Meets Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda; Seeks Rs. 200 Crore Increase in NHM Allocation and Enhanced Support for Health Infrastructure.
New Delhi:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, at his residence in New Delhi last evening and discussed strengthening the health infrastructure of the state.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu urged the Union Minister to increase the annual allocation under the National Health Mission (NHM) by Rs. 200 crore for the next financial year to bolster healthcare facilities and services across Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that the state’s challenging topography and limited accessibility to remote areas demand special consideration in health funding.
The Chief Minister also sought approval for the establishment of three dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in different parts of the state to ensure timely and advanced treatment for critically ill patients. “The creation of these ICUs will greatly enhance our ability to provide life-saving care, especially in high-risk regions,” he stated.
Highlighting the state’s fiscal constraints, Sukhu requested that the Centre’s share under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme be maintained at the 90:10 funding ratio, given Himachal Pradesh’s geographical challenges and resource limitations.
The Chief Minister also apprised the Union Health Minister about the massive losses caused by natural disasters in the state this year and elaborated on the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts being carried out by the state government. He sought central assistance for rebuilding health infrastructure and supporting families affected by these calamities.
Additionally, CM Sukhu urged Dr. Nadda to take up the issue of enhancing the state’s borrowing limit by 2 percent with the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, in the broader interest of Himachal Pradesh’s financial health.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment, Sukhu said, “We are continuously working to strengthen the healthcare network, improve medical infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to quality health services even in remote areas.”
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda appreciated the Chief Minister’s proactive approach towards improving healthcare services in the state. He assured that the demands and proposals would be given due consideration on priority and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting Himachal Pradesh, his home state, in its development initiatives.
