Sukhu directs to commence recruitment of specialist robotic surgeons
Chamiyana to deliver healthcare services at par with AIIMS
The State Government will soon initiate the recruitment process for specialist robotic surgeons to launch robotic surgery services across Himachal Pradesh, aimed at providing advanced medical treatment within government health institutions, ensuring high-quality healthcare access for the people of the State. A proposal outlining the recruitment rules for these specialist surgeons will be presented to the State Cabinet for approval shortly. In addition to performing surgeries, the recruited experts will also train other doctors in robotic surgical techniques, helping build a future-ready team of skilled professionals in the State. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared this information during a late evening review meeting of the Health Department held on Friday.
The Chief Minister stated “The State government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people through public health institutions. Modern technologies and medical equipment are being installed in all government medical colleges and other health facilities across the State.” The Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialty at Chamiyana will provide healthcare facilities at par with AIIMS, Delhi and robotic surgery services will soon commence at this institute, whereas a robotic surgical system will also be installed soon at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, he added.
He also directed the department to initiate the process for installing robotic surgical machines at Hamirpur Medical College and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, as part of the State’s push towards advanced healthcare services. He emphasized the need to fill vacant posts in the health sector without delay to further strengthen healthcare delivery across Himachal Pradesh. He said that the Directorate of Medical Education will recruit 100 new medical officers, while 50 additional nurses will be appointed at Chamiyana soon. Recruitment process is also in progress for paramedical staff, technicians, and other support personnel to enhance the overall capacity of the state’s healthcare infrastructure. He said ”The State Government has increased the monthly honorarium of operation theatre assistants from Rs. 17,820 to Rs. 25,000, and for radiographers and X-ray technicians from Rs. 13,100 to Rs. 25,000.”
Sh. Sukhu said that to address the shortage of paramedical education seats in the government sector, the government has decided to increase intake capacity in key courses after 23 years to bolster the health sector. At IGMC Shimla, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology courses have been increased from 10 to 50 each. Similarly, at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology has been enhanced from 18 to 50 in each course. This will enable local youth to receive professional training within the State itself, he said.
Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
