Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here chaired a review meeting of the Medical Education Department and directed officials to ensure effective healthcare services for patients across all medical colleges in the state. He said that the present state government was continuously working to improve healthcare facilities so that people can access quality treatment within the state.
He said that postgraduate (PG) seats were being increased in all medical colleges. The additional seats include 57 in RPGMC Tanda, 29 in Mandi, 32 in Nahan, 33 in Chamba, 67 in Hamirpur and 96 in Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla.
He said that this expansion would improve the functioning of these institutions and lead to better patient care. Addressing the shortage of faculty, particularly in newer medical colleges and super-specialists in Tanda Medical College, the Chief Minister directed that the retirement age of professors be increased to 65 years for the next three years.
He said that this decision would not affect promotions. To further address staff shortages, the government was also designating Assistant and Associate Professors accordingly.
He said that strengthening all departments, especially diagnostic services always remains a key priority of the present state government. The Chief Minister announced that all vacant nursing posts in medical colleges would be filled by November this year.
Apart from this adequate technical staff would also be appointed to address the need. He said that the state government was investing Rs. 3,000 crore to procure modern machines and equipment for medical colleges and hospitals.
Efforts were also underway to address staff shortages across healthcare institutions. He said that improving the health and education sectors was a top priority and assured that there was no dearth of funds for these areas.
He said the government was committed to ensure the efficient functioning of all medical colleges and that healthcare services would see significant improvements in the coming years. He also highlighted plans to promote health tourism in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government would soon commence the Phase II of Chamba Medical College for which provision of Rs.192 crore has been made. Additionally, Rs. 500 crore would be allocated for the construction of Nahan Medical College.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Director Health Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma were present in the meeting, whereas the principals of all medical colleges virtually joined the meeting.