Himachal to spend Rs 3,000 crore on medical equipment at Govt Medical Colleges: CM Sukhu

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government will spend nearly Rs 3,000 crore on procuring state-of-the-art medical equipment for all government medical colleges, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Thursday.

He made these remarks while speaking during the Question Hour on the fifth day of the Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.

According to UNI, Sukhu said that advanced robotic surgery machines and other modern medical equipment are being procured on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, strictly following a transparent tendering process. 

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“All machines are being purchased in a transparent manner to ensure quality healthcare services,” he added.

Sukhu further stated that a state-of-the-art cancer hospital to be established in the Hamirpur district to enhance specialized healthcare facilities. He also noted that postgraduate (PG) courses are being expanded across medical colleges in the state, with PG classes already started at Nahan Medical College, which would also help address staff shortages.

Intervening during a discussion on staffing at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, the Chief Minister said that more than 100 Assistant Professor posts will soon be filled at the institution.

He added that the existing system of walk-in interviews would be replaced with a more transparent, merit-based selection process by incorporating fixed percentage criteria.

“There have been concerns that walk-in interviews sometimes lead to appointments based on personal connections. The new system would ensure fairness and transparency,” he said. 

The Chief Minister also highlighted advancements in medical education, noting that pass percentages in medical colleges have increased. He emphasised that PG courses are crucial for the effective functioning of medical colleges.

In reply to a query raised by Kewal Singh Pathania, Sukhu provided details regarding funds sanctioned over the past two years (up to January 31, 2026) for the purchase of machinery at Tanda Medical College, expenditure incurred on specific equipment, and steps taken to improve and repair the lift facility at the institution, reports UNI. 

He assured the House that funds have been properly utilized for upgrading medical machinery and that necessary steps are being taken to improve infrastructure, including the maintenance and repair of lift facilities.

Also Read:Tanda Medical College's upgrade to PGI status gains momentum