Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced on Saturday, October 24, that the Central Government has sanctioned 320 new postgraduate medical seats across six government colleges in Himachal Pradesh. This significant expansion, backed by approximately Rs 415 crore in central financial assistance, aims to bolster specialist medical education and enhance access to advanced healthcare services throughout the state.
Following the initial approval, a health ministry statement detailed the distribution of these new seats: Shimla will receive 91, Tanda and Hamirpur 57 each, Mandi 55, Nahan 32, and Chamba 28. These additions will strengthen specialist training in crucial disciplines including Surgery, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Oncology, among other specialities.
Minister Nadda emphasized the central government's rapid response to Himachal Pradesh's proposal, submitted on June 23, 2026. Discussions with the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister on October 6, 2026, during the AIIMS Bilaspur convocation, paved the way for this swift approval. "The central government has acted swiftly on Himachal Pradesh's proposal and approved all 320 PG medical seats," Nadda stated, urging the state government to match this pace in completing necessary formalities so students and residents can benefit promptly.
Nadda highlighted this decision as a vital component of a wider national initiative. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, medical education in India has seen substantial growth over the past 12 years. A Rs 15,000 crore central scheme targets adding 10,000 new undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats nationwide over five years, with Himachal Pradesh's new allocations forming part of this broader effort to expand the country's healthcare workforce.
Beyond medical education, the Union Health Minister also pressed the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh to accelerate other centrally supported development projects. He called for swift resolution of issues concerning state financial contributions and land availability for the Chandigarh-Baddi and Bhanupalli-Bilaspur railway projects. Additionally, Nadda pushed for faster progress on Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Laboratories, all receiving central assistance, to ensure timely benefits reach the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf