SHIMLA -6^th December, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presided over the annual function 'Stimulus'-2025-26 organised by the Central Student's Union of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.

Extending congratulations to the students and the organizers for organizing a vibrant show, the Chief Minister said that IGMC students have consistently excelled in every field. He added that the students of this prestigious medical college have brought laurels to the State at National and International levels.

While addressing, the Chief Minister announced introduction of an 'Incentive Policy' for doctors, to be based on various parameters. He also announced that in the upcoming Budget, the monthly stipend for PG resident doctors would be enhanced to Rs.50,000 in the first year, Rs.60,000 in the second year and Rs.65,000 in the third year.

The Chief Minister announced rupees five crore for laparoscopic facilities and rupees six crore for the Department of Anaesthesia at IGMC. He directed the authorities concerned to expedite the land transfer process required for the construction of a new student hostel at IGMC and also instructed the Principal of IGMC to complete the process of shifting the Gynaecology wing from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) to IGMC at the earliest.

He said that the State Government aims to bring world-class diagnostic services to Himachal Pradesh so that patients receive best and timely treatment. He further announced plans to equip five medical colleges in the State with world-class medical technology.

The Chief Minister also announced a sum of rupees five crore each for Bone Marrow infrastructure development in IGMC, AIMSS Chamiyana, Tanda medical College, Lal Bahadur Shastri Govt. Medical College & Hospital Mandi at Ner Chowk and in Dr. Radhakrishnan Govt. Medical College, Hamirpur.

Sh. Sukhu also announced rupees five lakh for the Central Student's Union for organizing the cultural programme.

The Chief Minister said that Rs.75 crore has been approved for setting up smart labs at IGMC, Tanda Medical College and the Super Specialty hospital at Chamiyana. The State Government is making dedicated efforts to provide quality, accessible and modern healthcare services.

For the first time in the history of Himachal Pradesh, the State has introduced robotic surgery facilities. Recently, robotic machines have been installed at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities in Chamiyana, Shimla, and at Tanda Medical College in Kangra, marking the beginning of a new era in the State’s healthcare sector.

He said the State Government has decided to invest more than Rs.3,000 crore for upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding modern health services. The Government has also decided to replace medical equipment that has been in use for over two decades with modern and advanced machinery comparable to the standards of AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh.

To strengthen medical education, the Government has increased the number of seats for providing training in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory, Radiology & Imaging, Anaesthesia & OT Technology from 10 to 50 at IGMC and from 18 to 50 at Tanda Medical College.

The Chief Minister said that the working hours of resident doctors have been rationalized. Earlier, they had to work in 36-hour shifts, which have now been limited to a maximum of 12 hours continuously. The stipend for senior residents has been increased from Rs.60,000 to Rs.1,00,000 per month, while in super-specialty departments, it has been enhanced from Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.1,30,000.

He said the State Government was committed to safeguard the interests of students and doctors and was making all possible efforts in this direction. During the last three years, the present Government has spent Rs.1207 crore on strengthening infrastructure and procuring modern equipment for medical education. PG courses have been started in the Medical Colleges at Chamba, Hamirpur and Nerchowk. Departments of Emergency Medicine have also been established in all medical colleges, ensuring continuous improvement in the quality of medical education.

He said that 57 Casualty Medical Officers have been appointed through direct recruitment, while 32 specialist posts have been created for emergency services in various colleges, an initiative undertaken for the first time in the country.

The Chief Minister said that the Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiyana has been made functional and the Trauma Centre and New OPD Block have been started at IGMC. The State Government is not only strengthening the health sector but is also working with a positive vision to make Himachal Pradesh a model State in this field. With a progressive mindset, efforts were being made to ensure that the State becomes self-reliant in the coming years.

He reiterated that the Government was determined to strengthen the education sector and provide world-class education to the youth of the State so as to prepare them for emerging global challenges and competition.

The Chief Minister also honoured students and doctors for their contribution in various fields.

The Students also presented an impressive cultural programme on the occasion.

Principal Dr. Sita Thakur apprised the Chief Minister of present facilities and requirements of the medical college. Dr. Puneet Mahajan,

Dr. Piyush Kapila, Professor, Forensic Medicine proposed votes of thanks.

Chief Advisor of the Central Student's Union, welcomed the Chief Minister and briefed him about the Union’s activities.

Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Surender Chauhan, Councilors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao, the Principal and other dignitaries were also present amongst others.