In a major development for healthcare infrastructure and medical education in Himachal Pradesh, the central government has sanctioned 320 new postgraduate (PG) medical seats across six state-run medical colleges. Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced the approval, confirming that the central administration will provide an assistance grant of approximately 415 crore rupees to facilitate the expansion.
Six State Medical Colleges to Expand Specialty Training
The newly approved postgraduate positions will be allocated across government medical colleges located in Shimla, Tanda, Hamirpur, Mandi, Nahan, and Chamba. This expansion is designed to enhance opportunities for medical graduates aiming to pursue specialist qualifications within the hill state. Moreover, having more resident doctors across these regional facilities will substantially upgrade daily healthcare delivery for local residents and reduce referral burdens on external tertiary hospitals.
Rapid Four Month Clearance for State Proposal
The proposal moved through administrative reviews at an exceptionally rapid pace. The Union Health Ministry received the formal proposal on 23 June, which was followed by high-level deliberations with the state Chief Minister on 6 October. In a span of just four months from the receipt of the initial request, the central authorities finalized the assessment and granted full approval for all 320 seats.
Call for Prompt Execution of Central Health Initiatives
Following the allocation of funds and seats, the Union Health Minister urged the Himachal Pradesh government to roll out the academic infrastructure quickly so that admissions can commence without delay. State authorities were also requested to expedite other centrally sponsored healthcare schemes to ensure that quality medical care reaches every citizen effectively.
