BJP Credits Central Government for New Robotic Surgery Facility in Himachal Pradesh

The inauguration of a robotic surgery facility at Nerchowk Medical College has sparked political debate, with the BJP attributing the success to the Central Government's support and previous administration efforts. Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi emphasized the importance of this advancement in healthcare, while criticizing the Congress-led state government for its handling of health infrastructure. The article explores the implications of this new facility and the ongoing political tensions surrounding healthcare initiatives in Himachal Pradesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 16:40 IST

Political Reactions to New Healthcare Initiative

Following the inauguration of a robotic surgery unit at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Nerchowk by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly responded, attributing the development to the efforts of the Central Government and the previous BJP administration in Himachal Pradesh.

Inder Singh Gandhi, the MLA from Balh, stated that the advanced medical services being introduced at Nerchowk Medical College are a direct result of the ongoing support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, as well as the groundwork established during former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's tenure.

Gandhi expressed his appreciation to both the Prime Minister and the Union Health Minister for facilitating the robotic surgery facility in the area, emphasizing that the Central Government has been instrumental in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. He noted that the launch of robotic surgery represents a significant advancement, allowing patients to access sophisticated and quality treatment closer to their homes.

He further remarked that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Centre has provided substantial aid to Himachal Pradesh's health sector, which has enabled the growth of facilities at Nerchowk Medical College. He highlighted that several key projects, including the Trauma Centre at Nerchowk, were initiated during the previous BJP government led by Jai Ram Thakur.

The Balh legislator mentioned that he had consistently advocated for the medical college's needs with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, resulting in the Centre's generous support that expedited the enhancement of medical facilities at the college.

In a pointed critique of the Congress-led state government, Gandhi accused them of being ineffective and indifferent towards health infrastructure, contrasting their approach with the Central Government's commitment to improving healthcare services and medical colleges.

He further claimed that since the Congress government took office in Himachal Pradesh, numerous doctors were hastily transferred from Nerchowk Medical College, negatively impacting healthcare services in the area.

"The state government is attempting to mislead the public with announcements rather than genuinely improving health facilities," Gandhi stated. "The mass transfers of doctors and empty promises regarding healthcare reflect the current government's operations."

He asserted that the new facilities at Nerchowk are primarily the result of the Central Government's backing and the strategic planning of the previous Jai Ram Thakur-led administration. According to him, the current state government has yet to introduce any significant new healthcare initiatives and is merely trying to claim credit for projects that were already in progress.