The Union government has approved the creation of 320 new postgraduate medical seats across six government medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh, a development expected to significantly bolster medical education and healthcare services in the state. The Centre will provide an estimated Rs 415 crore for this initiative.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda announced the approval for the additional seats, stating it aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance medical education and healthcare infrastructure nationwide. This move is part of a larger national scheme aimed at increasing medical seats across the country.
Six Colleges to Benefit from Seat Increase
The newly sanctioned postgraduate seats will be distributed among six government medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh. The Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla will receive the largest allocation with 91 seats. Government Medical College, Hamirpur, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, will each get 57 seats. Nerchowk Medical College in Mandi is set to receive 55 seats, while Government Medical College, Nahan, will be allocated 32 seats, and Government Medical College, Chamba, will receive 28 seats.
The proposal for these additional seats was submitted by the Himachal Pradesh government on June 23. Following a discussion between Union Minister Nadda and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the convocation ceremony at AIIMS, Bilaspur, on October 6, the Central Government granted its approval for all 320 proposed seats. This approval is expected to strengthen specialized medical services, including disciplines like surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and oncology.
Boosting Medical Education and Healthcare Access
The increase in postgraduate medical seats is anticipated to create more opportunities for medical graduates within the state to pursue advanced studies without having to travel outside Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, it is expected to improve access to specialized healthcare services for residents, bringing critical medical expertise closer to their communities. Minister Nadda emphasized the importance of timely implementation of these sanctioned seats.
He urged the Himachal Pradesh government to expedite all necessary administrative and regulatory formalities to ensure the efficient and prompt operationalization of these new seats. Minister Nadda also took the opportunity to address delays in other centrally supported development projects within the state. He specifically mentioned concerns regarding the construction of Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Laboratories, calling for accelerated implementation from the state government.
Infrastructure and Project Implementation Highlighted
In addition to healthcare initiatives, Minister Nadda also touched upon railway infrastructure projects in Himachal Pradesh. He highlighted pending issues concerning the state’s financial contributions and land acquisition for the Chandigarh-Baddi and Bhanupalli–Bilaspur railway lines. The minister stressed that development projects of significant public benefit should not face undue delays due to unresolved administrative or financial matters.
Minister Nadda reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to providing all possible assistance for the development of Himachal Pradesh, stating that the welfare of its youth and families remains a clear priority. He also underscored the need for a parallel commitment from the state government to ensure the effective and timely execution of all development projects, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are crucial for progress.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
