Shimla, March 19: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced a series of major healthcare reforms, stating that all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state will be equipped with doctors within the next six months.
Doctors to Be Deployed in All PHCs
The Chief Minister said that appointments will be made to ensure every PHC has a doctor within the stipulated timeframe. He noted that political interference often leads to frequent transfers of doctors, which affects healthcare delivery.
He added that rationalisation of posts will also be undertaken based on actual requirements. Sukhu further pointed out that except for IGMC Shimla and Tanda Medical College, most medical colleges in the state lack adequate faculty.
The government is now working to strengthen these institutions and plans to double postgraduate (PG) seats while simplifying recruitment rules for Associate and Assistant Professors. He assured that no medical college will be shut down.
400 Doctors to Be Recruited in One Go
Highlighting recruitment efforts, Sukhu said that for the first time, around 400 doctors will be recruited simultaneously. Interviews for 236 doctors are already underway, and vacant Assistant Professor posts will also be filled.
During the Assembly session, the Chief Minister intervened to respond to opposition queries directed at Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil.
BJP MLA Rakesh Jamwal questioned the government over the lack of data on unemployed doctors, while Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also raised concerns on the issue.
Earlier, Health Minister Shandil informed the House that 2,337 posts of doctors and 683 posts of specialist doctors have been sanctioned in the state, and efforts are ongoing to fill them.
Rs 3,000 Crore Medical Equipment Procurement
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government is procuring medical equipment worth Rs 3,000 crore from top global companies. He said the purchases are being made transparently through a tender process and at competitive prices, even lower than those for similar equipment procured for AIIMS Delhi.
During Question Hour, MLA Kewal Singh Pathania sought details about funds allocated and spent on machinery at Tanda Medical College. He praised the introduction of robotic surgery at the institute as a major achievement.
MLA Vipin Singh Parmar raised additional queries regarding the number of robotic surgeries conducted, associated costs, coverage under Ayushman Bharat and Himcare schemes, and details of the companies supplying the equipment.
Responding to these, Sukhu acknowledged existing challenges but said the government is committed to strengthening medical colleges and improving the healthcare system in the state.
Concerns Over Fraud Against Farmers Raised
Congress MLA Anuradha Rana raised concerns about alleged fraud cases involving farmers, stating that several such incidents have surfaced in recent years. She pointed out that action is usually taken only in cases where FIRs are registered, while other complaints often do not receive adequate attention.
She also highlighted that farmers often suffer losses in agreements with private companies and urged the government to intervene to protect their interests.
Responding to this, Chief Minister Sukhu said that many agreements between farmers and private firms are based on mutual consent, limiting direct government intervention. However, he assured that strict action is taken in all cases where fraud is reported and FIRs are registered.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government is serious about tackling fraud and ensuring justice for affected farmers.
