Robotic surgery to bring revolution in quality healthcare in Himachal Pradesh

• Realization of CM's vision to benefit both patients and doctors
• · Chamiyana becomes first institute in state to introduce robotic surgery

SHIMLA-27^th June, 2025-Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a historic transformation in the health sector, as Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s vision of providing world-class medical facilities to the people is now becoming a reality.

The Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana in Shimla is set to become the first medical institute in the state where surgeries will be performed using the latest robotic technology. A state-of-the-art surgical robot, procured at a cost of Rs. 28 crore on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, has already arrived at Chamiyana and the installation process will be completed by July, after which surgeries using this advanced technology will begin.

Principal of the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana Dr. Brij Lal today here said that robotic surgery would benefit both patients and doctors. He explained that only a very small incision is required in robotic procedures, which means less blood loss and minimal need for transfusions. The patients experience less pain, recover faster and can be discharged from hospital sooner.

The surgeons too will get benefitted with this technology as robotic systems would provide them better precision and control. They do not feel fatigued even during long surgeries which allow them to perform more procedures in less time. The system also offers a clear and magnified 3D view inside narrow and complex areas of the body and reduces the chances of any errors.

Following the directions of Chief Minister, the robotic surgery equipment will soon be delivered to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda as well. Thereafter, the machines will be installed in IGMC Shimla, Medical College Hamirpur and other government medical colleges in a phased manner. This will benefit thousands of patients across the state and reduce the need to travel outside Himachal for expensive surgeries.

The introduction of robotic surgery is set to mark a new and historic chapter in Himachal Pradesh’s medical history and full credit goes to the farsighted leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

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Chief Minister to visit RPGMC Tanda

• Initiative aimed to promote direct dialogue with medical professionals

SHIMLA, 27.06.25-Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh has made remarkable strides in modernizing and expanding the reach of its healthcare services throughout the state. The state government has ensured judicious use of resources to transform the Health sector. This was stated by a spokesperson of the state government here today.

The spokesperson said that in just two and a half years, the government has taken several revolutionary steps that have significantly enhanced the reach and quality of healthcare across Himachal. Several hospitals have been upgraded, new sub-health centers and primary health centres have been opened and upgraded and new block medical offices have been notified.

In a bid to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is set to visit Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Tanda. As part of the visit, a detailed presentation will be made on the ongoing and proposed improvements in medical services and infrastructure at the institute. The Chief Minister will also engage in an interactive session with the faculty members to gather feedback and suggestions, focusing on enhancing healthcare delivery at this key medical institution.

This visit is part of a broader initiative by the Chief Minister to strengthen the state’s health system through direct dialogue with medical professionals. Recently, he held similar interactions with faculty members of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiana. These discussions revolved around the challenges facing the health sector in the coming years and explored practical, forward-looking solutions.

The state government’s commitment to improving health services and ensuring all necessary support to medical colleges based on their requirements. This proactive approach underscores the government's resolve to provide accessible, quality healthcare across the state.

The spokesperson said that Sh. Sukhu has made it clear that machines and equipment which are in use for over 20 years would be replaced within one year. Robotic surgery would be started in AIMSS Chamiana. The government was establishing 69 Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans in each of the 68 assembly constituencies, with two in Lahaul and Spiti. These institutions are already functional in most of the constituencies with provision of six specialists in each Adarsh Sansthan. These institutions would offer 134 diagnostic tests, and modern infrastructure, including ultrasound and digital X-ray services.

The state government has made a provision of Rs. 1,730 crore for financial year 2025-26 in order to procure modern medical equipment for medical colleges, civil and regional hospitals, and community health centres. Dialysis facilities are being provided in 20 Adarsh Swasthya Sansthaan and would be set up in remaining 49 institutions with an estimated cost of 41.62 crore. Blood storage units would also be set up in 11 institutions. The state government was also equipping IGMC Shimla, AIIMS Chamiyana, Hamirpur and Nerchowk medical colleges with advanced diagnostic services, including MRI machines. A PET scan facility would soon be started in the IGMC Shimla.

These efforts are steering Himachal Pradesh towards becoming a model state in healthcare.