Historic transformation in health sector ahead: Chief Minister

Rs.1,300 Crore JICA–II boost for health sector, Major decentralization of administrative and financial powers announced

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced a decisive and far-reaching overhaul of the health sector, asserting that revolutionary changes would be visible within one year and that Himachal Pradesh would emerge as the country’s number one state in healthcare services within the next three years.

Addressing a first-of-its-kind State-Level Health Dialogue Session at Peterhoff, Shimla, the Chief Minister said that the State Government would spend Rs.1,300 crore under JICA Phase–II to strengthen healthcare delivery.  Nearly Rs. 3,000 crore would be invested over the next three years to equip health institutions with world-class high-end medical technology.

For the first time in the State’s history, a direct and extended interaction was held between the Chief Minister and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Medical Superintendents (MSs). The marathon dialogue session continued for nearly four-and-a-half hours, during which the Chief Minister engaged in detailed discussions on grassroots challenges, operational issues and policy-level reforms. Several key decisions were taken on the spot, ensuring immediate resolution of long-pending matters.

Emphasizing that strong health administration is the backbone of quality healthcare, the Chief Minister announced decentralization of administrative and financial powers. CMOs, BMOs and MSs would be vested with enhanced financial authority, while necessary amendments would be introduced in the Financial Rules to make procedures simpler, faster and more effective.

He said that financial and decision-making powers related to sanitation arrangements in health institutions would be delegated to CMOs. Special dedicated funds would also be created for CMOs and MSs to meet urgent and essential hospital requirements.

The Chief Minister announced that the State Government would actively consider increasing the salary of Job Trainee Doctors. He informed that recruitment of 236 doctors is currently underway and 150 additional posts have already been sanctioned. To ensure complete transparency, marks obtained in both written examinations and interviews would be included in the final merit list.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to systemic transformation, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the impact of reforms would be clearly visible within a year. “Within the next three years, Himachal Pradesh will set national benchmarks in healthcare delivery,” he asserted.

He said that Model Health Institutions being developed across the State would act as game changers for the healthcare ecosystem. These institutions would be equipped with globally benchmarked high-end technology. Medical equipment older than 15 years would be replaced, significantly improving patient care and reducing the workload on doctors. Operation Theatre facilities would be ensured in every Model Health Institution.
The Chief Minister further announced that security arrangements in all health institutions would be strengthened through the Ex-Servicemen Corporation. Rationalisation of Primary Health Centres and Delivery Points would be carried out on the basis of clearly defined parameters to improve efficiency and accessibility.

He directed that construction works of health institution buildings having achieved more than 60 percent progress must be completed by 31^st March, 2026 without fail.

Highlighting quality standards, the Chief Minister said that all medical equipment would be procured strictly as per AIIMS specifications. CT Scan machines would be purchased with a ten-year comprehensive maintenance guarantee.

He informed that advanced technologies such as robotic surgery and smart laboratories are being integrated into the State’s healthcare system. Robotic surgery has already commenced at Chamiyana and Tanda hospitals and will soon be introduced at Nerchowk and Hamirpur Medical Colleges. So far, 120 successful robotic surgeries have been performed at Chamiyana Hospital alone.

The State Government will invest Rs. 75 crore in establishing Smart Labs, enabling multiple diagnostic tests from a single blood sample, thereby ensuring faster, accurate and patient-friendly diagnostics.

The Chief Minister said that meaningful reforms would also be introduced in Rogi Kalyan Samitis. The audit of the HIMCARE scheme is underway and the scheme would be strengthened further. Medical Superintendents would also be empowered to issue up to 100 HIMCARE cards.

Underscoring the human aspect of healthcare, he said that doctors must display compassion, sensitivity and calm behaviour, as humane conduct plays a crucial role in the healing process and boosts patients’ mental well-being.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, while addressing the gathering, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for according highest priority to the health sector. He added that multi-pronged efforts are underway to deliver high-quality services in Model Health Institutions.

Secretary Health Priyanka Basu Ingty welcomed the Chief Minister and shared key departmental insights, while Director Health Services Gopal Berry presented a detailed overview of the progress achieved by the Health Department.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Vivek Sharma, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Mission Director NHM Pradeep Thakur, President of Himachal Medical Officers Association Rajesh Rana and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today warmly welcomed the ‘Children of the State’ who recently returned from an all-India educational tour.  During an interaction at his official residence, the children shared their travel experiences and described the journey as a memorable and enriching one.

Encouraging them to draw inspiration from their experiences, the Chief Minister said the Sukh-Aashray Scheme was not merely a government programme but a sincere initiative to fulfil the dreams of the ‘Children of the State’. He assured them that the government would arrange coaching for higher studies and bear the full cost of their education after Plus Two.

Sh. Sukhu emphasized that these children have a rightful share in Himachal Pradesh’s resources, which are being utilized for the welfare of the underprivileged.

The tour aimed to expose the children to national unity, cultural heritage, modern infrastructure and educational institutions for their overall development. On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a booklet titled “Sapnon Ki Udaan” based on the children’s journey, and a short documentary on the tour was also screened.

As many as 52 children were sent on the exposure visit from Shimla on January 6, 2026, under the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Scheme. Advocate General Anup Ratan, MLA Vivek Sharma and  other district officers were also present on the occasion.

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Governor lauds Indian Army’s supreme sacrifice, courage and unwavering resolve

The 78^th Army Day was celebrated at the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla, here today, where Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla attended the function as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that today’s security challenges are constantly changing and now include cyber and information warfare. In this situation, the role of ARTRAC has become very important. He said that the leadership and training provided here not only make the Indian Army strong in operations but also build ethical and human values among soldiers.

The Governor said that Army Day is not just a ceremonial event. “It represents the Indian Army’s great sacrifices, unmatched courage and firm commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, unity and integrity,” he said. Calling ARTRAC the centre of training and doctrinal excellence of the Indian Army, he said that its realistic, technology-based and multi-dimensional training prepares the Army to face the complex challenges of future battlefields.

Speaking about Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said the state shares a deep emotional bond with the armed forces. “Himachal Pradesh is known not only as Devbhoomi but also as Veerbhoomi. Almost every village reflects a proud tradition of military service, which is part of our culture and values,”. Paying tribute to soldiers and their families, he said that behind every soldier is a family whose quiet sacrifice gives great strength to the armed forces and the nation will always remember their contribution.

The Governor said the Government of India has taken several strong and forward-looking steps to strengthen the defence sector. He said that the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs. 6,81,210 crore to the Ministry of Defence, an increase of nearly 9.5 percent over the previous year which shows India’s long-term strategic vision in a changing global security environment.

Referring to the Agniveer Scheme, he said it has brought fresh energy into the armed forces. Budget support for the scheme has been increased to over Rs. 11,000 crore. He said the initiative has made the Army more agile while helping young people develop discipline, skills and a strong sense of national service.

On defence self-reliance, the Governor said that indigenization is a key national priority. He said that the successful use of indigenous defence systems during Operation Sindoor clearly shows India’s progress in this direction.

Highlighting welfare measures for ex-servicemen, he said that revisions to the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, implemented from July 2024, have provided financial security to lakhs of veteran families. He also said that an allocation of about Rs. 8,317 crore for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has expanded quality healthcare services to more than 55 lakh beneficiaries across the country. The Governor said, “A strong defence budget reflects the nation’s strategic vision and commitment towards national security.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC Lt. General PVSM, AVSM, SM Devender Sharma welcomed the Governor and highlighted the Indian Army’s preparedness and professionalism.

The Chief of Staff, Army Training Command, Lieutenant General S.S. Dahiya presented the vote of thanks.

Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Prabodh Saxena, Chairman HPPSC Rameshwas Singh Thakur, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, civil and military officers and other prominent people were present on the occasion.

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Strongly pleads for ban on Apple imports during peak season

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal at New Delhi late last evening and strongly pleaded for banning apple imports during the apple production months, July to November. He also urged for increasing apple duty to 100 percent in other months in order to discourage apple imports.

He requested for intervention of Centre for protecting the interests of about 2.5 lakh farmers engaged in apple cultivation and added that apple contributes 80 percent to the state's total fruit production. He said that it generates an annual income of 4500 crore. 

Chief Minister has promptly taken up the issue of horticulturists who met him last week for redressal of their grievances. He also raised the matter with the Finance Minister and urged for speedy action.

Chief Minister in his meeting with the Union Minister, apprised him about the concern of apple growers of the state regarding the reduction in import duty on apples. He said that apple imports have increased nearly two and a half times over the past ten years and added that this would increase the volume further due to the free trade agreement. He said that seasonal window for import of New Zealand apples is between April to August with 25 percent tariff, however for other months the previous 50 percent duty remains applicable .

He said that the various free trade agreements shall not only adversely affect the in season apple trade but also impact the price of apples stored in cold storage in the state and the off season trade.

Principal Advisor to Chief Minister Ram Subhah Singh, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar were present in the meeting.

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  ·         May consider population criteria for availing this facility

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today called on Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar at New Delhi and urged him to provide special relaxations for hill states under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, citing operational challenges arising from difficult geographical conditions.

The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister that no specific relaxations have been extended to hill states under the scheme, which has limited Himachal Pradesh’s ability, to avail its benefits despite the State’s strong commitment towards green and sustainable mobility. He informed that under the existing norms of the scheme, only Shimla is eligible for coverage, as it applies to cities with a population of over ten lakh.

He emphasized that several urban local bodies in the State, including Dharamshala, Mandi, Solan, Palampur, Hamirpur, Una and Baddi are rapidly emerging as major hubs of economic activity and human resource development. He requested that suitable relaxations be made in the population criteria to enable Himachal Pradesh to benefit comprehensively from the scheme.

The Chief Minister stated that the State Government aims to replace diesel buses on feasible routes with electric buses to reduce air and noise pollution. He informed that the Government has resolved to replace 1,500 diesel buses with electric buses in a phased manner. As part of this initiative, the State is in the process of procuring 297 electric buses during the current year under the CAPEX model from its own resources.

Highlighting operational challenges in hilly terrain, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to reduce the daily assured mileage under the OPEX model to 150 kilometers per bus in Himachal Pradesh to ensure realistic and achievable targets. He further requested revision of the current operational assistance of Rs. 22 per kilometre to Rs. 52 per kilometre for hill states, enabling State transport undertakings to operate electric buses without incurring operational losses.

He also urged for No Objection Certificate (NoC) from BBMB for transfer and allotment of 47 bigha of surplus vacant land at Sundernagar for 'Integrated office' of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, (HPPCL) to ease its functioning as it is located in different locations of the State as of now.

He also suggested that capital assistance should be linked to the actual mileage achieved in order to incentivize better performance and ensure equitable reimbursement.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance to the State.

Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and other senior officers of the State Government accompanied the Chief Minister during the meeting.

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today interacted with the officer trainees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) 2025 batch at Lok Bhavan. On the occasion, a luncheon was also hosted in honour of the probationers.

During the interaction, the Governor shared his insights on public service, accountability and the importance of integrity in governance. He encouraged the young officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and ethical conduct while discharging their duties and emphasized the crucial role of audit and accounts services in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring prudent use of public resources.

The officer trainees also shared their experience with the Governor.

Earlier, the officer trainees visited Lok Bhavan, where they were briefed about the historical significance, architectural heritage and functioning of the institution. The Governor appreciated their keen interest and wished them success in their training and future careers in public service.

Lady Governor Janaki Shukla was also present on the occasion.

 Director General National Academy of Audit and Accounts (NAAA) S. Alok honoured the Governor on the occasion.

Principal Accountant General (Accounts & Entitlement) Sushil Kumar Thakur, Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma and Director Pushpalata were also present on the occasion.

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