Himachal Pradesh Enhances Healthcare with New Senior Residency Policy and Patient Support Initiatives

Strengthening Medical Education in Himachal Pradesh

Sunil Chadha
Shimla: In a significant initiative to bolster medical education and healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Wednesday (January 7, 2025) the development of a comprehensive Senior Residency Policy for all medical colleges in the state. This initiative aims to optimize the utilization of medical personnel and enhance patient care across various institutions.

During a high-level meeting with the Health Education and Health Department, the Chief Minister emphasized that the new policy will focus on rationalizing senior resident positions to ensure effective use of human resources. He revealed that the quota for General Duty Officers (GDOs) in senior residency will be raised to 66%, changing from the existing 50:50 ratio between GDOs and direct recruits.

Expansion of PG and Super-Speciality Courses

Sukhu announced the introduction of MD and MS programs in additional fields at medical colleges located in Chamba, Nahan, Hamirpur, and Nerchowk, which will enhance academic capacity and healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, he confirmed the appointment of DM and MCh super-specialists in medical colleges to broaden specialized healthcare services.

Additionally, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Units (ICUs) equipped with advanced medical technology will be established in all medical colleges.

Introducing Rogi Mitras for Patient Assistance

To facilitate patient care, the state plans to recruit 1,000 patient care assistants, known as Rogi Mitras, with 500 assigned to medical colleges and the other 500 to various health institutions. A pilot project will commence in Hamirpur district, where a standard operating procedure has already been developed. Initially, Rogi Mitras will be stationed at Primary Health Centres.

On a trial basis, Rogi Mitras will also provide assistance to patients aged over 70 at Chamiyana Hospital, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College-Tanda, and IGMC-Shimla, where dedicated counters for Rogi Mitras will be established.

Moreover, data entry operators will be assigned to the outpatient departments (OPDs) of medical colleges to ensure organized patient data management. Emphasizing the importance of long-term planning, Sukhu stated that innovative measures are being implemented to position Himachal Pradesh as a leading healthcare state in the nation.

Key Officials in Attendance

Senior officials present at the meeting included the Chief Minister’s principal adviser on IT and Innovation, Health Secretary Priyanka Basu, Special Secretary (Health) Ashwani Sharma, and Director of Health Education Rakesh Sharma.