Chief Minister Directs Strengthening of Research and Diagnostic Services in Medical Colleges
State’s First Dedicated Research Department to be Established at IGMC Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
VIDYA SAGAR
SHIMLA, August 7, 2026 — Presiding over a review meeting of the Health Department today, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued strict directives to boost research in state medical colleges and modernize diagnostic services. The Chief Minister emphasized that providing world-class healthcare facilities within the state remains the topmost priority of the government.
Key Decisions & Major Highlights:
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Dedicated Research Department: In the first phase, a dedicated Research Department will be established at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. Following its success, the model will be rolled out across all other medical colleges in the state.
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Immediate Diagnostic Services: Clear instructions were issued to ensure tests like MRI, CT Scan, and X-Rays are provided to patients immediately without any waiting period.
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₹75 Crore for Automated Labs: The state government has released ₹75 crore to establish fully automated laboratories at Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (Chamyana), IGMC (Shimla), and Tanda Medical College. This will allow multiple tests to be run simultaneously from a single blood sample.
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Direct Procurement of Medicines: To ensure superior quality and adequate supply, the government is considering procuring medicines directly from manufacturing companies.
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Doctor Engagement & Workplace Improvements: The Chief Minister will soon visit various medical colleges to interact directly with doctors and faculty. Efforts are also underway to provide better working conditions for doctors and paramedical staff.
“Strengthening the healthcare sector and offering international-standard medical services to our citizens within Himachal Pradesh is our highest priority. There will be no dearth of funds for upgrading health infrastructure.”
— Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister (Himachal Pradesh)
Dignitaries Present at the Meeting:
The high-level meeting was attended by MLA Kuldeep Rathore, MLA Harish Janartha, Health Secretary Aashish Singhmar, and other senior health department officials.
