SHIMLA, Himachal Pradesh — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced significant increases in monthly stipends for resident doctors and capped their maximum working hours at 12 per shift last Saturday. These measures are part of a new "incentive policy" aimed at improving working conditions and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
The Chief Minister also allocated Rs 5 crore each for bone marrow transplant infrastructure development at five medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh. These announcements were made during the annual function held at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla.
Resident Doctor Stipend Hikes
Monthly stipends for Postgraduate (PG) resident doctors will increase, effective from the next state budget. First-year PG residents will receive Rs 50,000 per month. Second-year PG residents will get Rs 60,000 , and third-year residents will receive Rs 65,000 monthly.
| Resident Doctor Category | New Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| First-Year PG Resident | Rs 50,000 |
| Second-Year PG Resident | Rs 60,000 |
| Third-Year PG Resident | Rs 65,000 |
The monthly stipend for senior residents also increased significantly. It rose from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh per month. Doctors in super-specialty departments will now receive Rs 1.3 lakh per month, up from their previous Rs 1 lakh . These revised stipends aim to attract and retain medical talent within the state’s public health sector.
Working Hours Capped
Chief Minister Sukhu confirmed a new regulation capping resident doctors’ working hours. Previously, resident doctors faced shifts that could last up to 36 hours. Under the updated policy, no resident doctor will work more than 12 hours in a single shift. This change addresses long-standing concerns regarding doctor fatigue and aims to enhance both doctor well-being and patient care quality.
Healthcare Infrastructure Development
A substantial allocation of Rs 25 crore has been made for the development of bone marrow transplant infrastructure. Each of the following five medical colleges will receive Rs 5 crore specifically for this purpose:
- Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Chamiyana
- Tanda Medical College
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital, Mandi
- Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur
This funding is intended to modernize facilities for critical medical procedures across key regional hospitals.
IGMC Specific Investments
Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla received additional targeted funding. Rs 5 crore was announced for enhancing laparoscopic facilities. The Department of Anaesthesia at IGMC will receive Rs 6 crore for necessary upgrades and new equipment. These investments aim to improve specialized surgical and critical care services at the institution.
The Chief Minister also issued directives for two ongoing projects at IGMC. He instructed authorities to expedite the land transfer process required for the construction of a new student hostel. The IGMC principal received instructions to complete the transfer of the Gynaecology wing from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) to IGMC promptly.
Smart Labs and State Healthcare Spending
The state government has approved Rs 75 crore for establishing advanced smart labs. These laboratories will be set up at three major medical institutions to enhance diagnostic and research capabilities:
- Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla
- Tanda Medical College
- Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiyana
Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to healthcare. He stated that the Congress government has invested a total of Rs 1,207 crore to strengthen medical infrastructure and education throughout Himachal Pradesh. These investments aim to provide better health services and support the training of future medical professionals in the state.