Himachal Pradesh Enhances Healthcare with Robotic Surgery Facility

Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step in advancing its healthcare services with the inauguration of a robotic surgery facility at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the state's commitment to integrating advanced medical technologies, announcing plans for further expansions in robotic surgery services. The initiative aims to enhance medical education and healthcare delivery across the state, despite financial challenges. With the introduction of new departments and increased stipends for medical professionals, the government is focused on improving the overall healthcare landscape in Himachal Pradesh. Read on to discover more about this transformative initiative.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 16:41 IST

Himachal Pradesh Advances Healthcare Services

Munish Sood
Mandi

On Friday, Himachal Pradesh made significant strides in enhancing its healthcare capabilities as Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a state-of-the-art robotic surgery unit at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College located in Mandi district.

This facility, which was developed at an investment of ₹28.44 crore, positions Nerchowk as the third medical center in the state to provide robotic surgery, following Atal Super Speciality Hospital in Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, Kangra. The Chief Minister was present for the inaugural surgery performed with the newly implemented robotic system.

Sukhu emphasized the government's dedication to integrating advanced medical technologies into healthcare institutions throughout Himachal. He revealed plans to extend robotic surgery services to Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla and Hamirpur Medical College, with preparations already in progress. He noted that 151 surgeries have been successfully performed at Chamiyana and 92 at Tanda Medical College, yielding positive outcomes.

The Chief Minister expressed the intention to equip medical colleges with facilities that rival those of AIIMS Delhi, ensuring they do not merely serve as referral centers. Additionally, he mentioned that doctors would be sent for training to familiarize themselves with modern medical technologies.

Regarding the state's financial landscape, Sukhu acknowledged the impact of the closure of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which has led to a reduction of nearly ₹10,000 crore in the annual budget. Nevertheless, he assured that the government plans to allocate approximately ₹3,000 crore towards advanced medical technologies in the upcoming years, emphasizing that financial limitations would not hinder healthcare improvements.

He also announced the creation of a Cardiology Department at Nerchowk Medical College and the initiation of postgraduate courses across all departments. In cases where there is a shortage of professors, the government will provide a one-time exemption to facilitate the commencement of these courses without delay. Furthermore, he mentioned an increase in senior residency positions.

Sukhu stated that the radiology department and other medical units at the college would be enhanced, and vacant positions for doctors, paramedical staff, and technicians would be filled promptly. He reiterated that postgraduate courses and senior residency programs would be launched in all medical colleges statewide to elevate healthcare delivery and medical education.

To bolster emergency services, the Chief Minister confirmed that vacant roles at the Nerchowk Trauma Centre would be filled. He also mentioned that the installation of a 3-Tesla MRI machine and a LINAC machine is in progress, with plans for a PET scan machine to be added soon.

In support of medical professionals, Sukhu announced an increase in the stipend for senior resident doctors from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh per month, while the stipend for senior resident super specialist doctors would rise from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.30 lakh.

During his visit, the Chief Minister engaged with doctors and staff at the medical college, gathering feedback on facilities and institutional needs. He assured that the insights from medical professionals would be integrated into future policy decisions aimed at enhancing healthcare services across the state.

Additionally, he declared that medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh would accommodate student sections of 60 each, with corresponding staff levels maintained to ensure high-quality medical education.

The event was attended by various political figures, including MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur and Inder Singh Gandhi, former minister Prakash Chaudhary, former MLAs Sohan Singh Thakur and Bambar Thakur, District Congress President Champa Thakur, along with other Congress leaders and officials.