Central government has a clear roadmap for expanding medical colleges in Himachal – Suresh Kashyap

In a written reply to a question asked by BJP MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, provided important information regarding the status and expansion of medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh. MP Kashyap stated that the central government is systematically expanding the network of medical colleges to strengthen the health infrastructure across the country, a benefit Himachal Pradesh is also receiving.

According to the ministry’s response, according to data from the National Medical Commission (NMC), there are currently 818 medical colleges operating across the country, including AIIMS and INIs. To establish new medical colleges, the central government is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme for opening medical colleges affiliated with district/referral hospitals, with priority given to underserved and aspirational districts.

Under the scheme, the funding ratio between the central and state governments is 90:10 for special category and northeastern states, and 60:40 for other states. Among the 157 medical colleges approved nationwide under this scheme, the medical colleges in Chamba, Hamirpur, and Nahan in Himachal Pradesh are currently operational.

The Ministry also clarified in its response that the state government is responsible for the construction and operation of medical colleges approved under the scheme. According to information provided by the state government, the Sirmaur Medical College project has been affected due to a dispute between the contractor and the implementing agency.

MP Suresh Kashyap said that he will continue to strive for the early and full operation of all the approved medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh, so that better health facilities can be made available to the people of the state.