Harsh Mahajan raises issue of Central health scheme funds for Himachal in Parliament
National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat and expansion of medical education to strengthen Himachal’s health infrastructure
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shri Harsh Mahajan raised an important question in Parliament regarding the allocation and utilization of funds received by Himachal Pradesh under various Central health schemes. Responding to the question, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav provided detailed information stating that the Central Government has been continuously extending financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh through the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
According to the information provided by the Ministry, hundreds of crores of rupees have been released to Himachal Pradesh under the National Health Mission during the financial years 2022–23 to 2024–25. These funds are being utilized to strengthen healthcare services in the state, expand medical facilities, and improve access to quality healthcare in rural and remote areas.
Similarly, financial assistance has also been provided to the state under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). This support is aimed at strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of hospitals and healthcare institutions, and preparing the state to effectively address future health challenges.
The Ministry further informed that under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Himachal Pradesh has received central assistance of
₹64.32 crore in 2022–23,
₹47.91 crore in 2023–24, and
₹49.71 crore in 2024–25.
In the field of medical education, approval has been granted for the increase of 120 MBBS seats across six Government Medical Colleges in Himachal Pradesh — Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Nahan, and Chamba. For this purpose, ₹35.64 crore in central assistance was released during 2022–23.
Additionally, to strengthen nursing education, approximately ₹27 crore has been sanctioned/released for the establishment of new nursing colleges in Una, Hamirpur, and Nahan under the Central Government’s scheme.
Reacting to the information, MP Harsh Mahajan stated that the financial assistance being provided by the Central Government is playing a crucial role in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of Himachal Pradesh. He said that through these schemes, consistent efforts are being made to ensure that quality healthcare facilities reach even the remote and difficult areas of the state.
He expressed hope that with the continued support of the Central Government, health services in Himachal Pradesh will expand further and citizens will receive improved and modern medical facilities in the coming years.
