Nadda urges state government to expedite creation of seats, critical care blocks, public health laboratories and railway projects
Shimla, October 24: The Centre has approved 320 additional postgraduate (PG) medical seats across six government medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh, along with a grant of approximately Rs 415 crore, Union Minister and former BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda said.
Nadda said the approval, granted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, would strengthen medical education and expand opportunities for aspiring specialists while improving access to specialised healthcare services in the state.The approval is part of a Central scheme worth Rs 15,000 crore aimed at adding 10,000 medical seats across the country over five years, he said.
According to Nadda, the approved seats have been distributed among six government medical colleges. Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, has been allocated 91 seats, while Government Medical College, Hamirpur, has received 57 seats. Nerchowk Medical College in Mandi has been allocated 55 seats, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, 57 seats, Government Medical College, Nahan, 32 seats, and Government Medical College, Chamba, 28 seats.
Nadda said the Himachal Pradesh government submitted its proposal on June 23. The matter was subsequently discussed with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the convocation ceremony at AIIMS Bilaspur on October 6. The Centre has now approved all 320 proposed seats, he added.
The expansion is expected to strengthen postgraduate training in specialised disciplines, including surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and oncology. It will also create more opportunities for medical graduates to pursue higher studies and contribute to the state’s healthcare system.
Nadda urged the state government to complete the necessary administrative and regulatory formalities promptly to ensure that all 320 seats become operational without delay.
Apart from medical education, Nadda expressed concern over delays in the implementation of other centrally supported projects in Himachal Pradesh. He called on the state government to expedite the construction of Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Laboratories.He also highlighted pending issues related to the state’s financial contribution and land availability for the Chandigarh–Baddi and Bhanupalli–Bilaspur railway projects.
Emphasising the need for timely implementation, Nadda said projects directly benefiting the public should not face unnecessary delays due to administrative or financial hurdles. He said the Centre remained committed to supporting Himachal Pradesh’s development, expanding opportunities for young people and improving public welfare. He also urged the state government to demonstrate equal commitment to ensuring the timely completion of development projects.
Nadda said effective coordination between the Centre and the state was essential to translate approvals and financial assistance into tangible benefits for people across Himachal Pradesh.
