Himachal Pradesh government has unveiled a major investment plan of ₹3,000 crore to strengthen the state’s healthcare sector over the next three years, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced at the State-Level Health Dialogue Session in Shimla on Sunday evening. The move aims to upgrade infrastructure, introduce world-class medical technology, and enhance overall healthcare services across the hill state.

Addressing health officials and administrators, CM Sukhu said that ₹1,300 crore under the JICA-II programme will be deployed to reinforce healthcare delivery systems, modernise facilities and ensure better access to quality medical services for all residents. In addition to technological upgrades, the investment will support the establishment of model health institutions equipped with high-end medical equipment and comprehensive operation theatre facilities.

As part of the reform agenda, the government is decentralising administrative and financial powers empowering Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Medical Superintendents (MSs) with enhanced decision-making authority and dedicated funds to address urgent hospital needs effectively. Amendments to financial rules will simplify procedures, making healthcare administration faster and more responsive.

CM Sukhu also highlighted key human resource initiatives, including plans to review trainee doctor salaries, ongoing recruitment of 236 doctors, and the sanctioning of 150 additional posts to strengthen medical workforce capacity. To ensure transparency in hiring, marks from both written exams and interviews will be included in final merit lists.

The state government will prioritise replacing outdated medical equipment particularly items older than 15 years with modern technology procured according to AIIMS standards, significantly improving patient care and reducing the burden on medical staff. Rationalisation of primary health centres and delivery points will also improve accessibility and service efficiency, especially in rural and remote areas.

Further measures include strengthening security arrangements at healthcare facilities through the Ex-Servicemen Corporation and ensuring that ongoing infrastructure projects including health institution buildings over 60 % complete are finished by 31 March 2026.

This multi-pronged investment and reform drive reflects the Himachal government’s commitment to transforming the state’s healthcare delivery system, improving clinical outcomes, and setting benchmarks in public health service quality.