Himachal Government Hikes Stipend for Medical Specialists by up to 170%
Shimla, April 27:
In a major move aimed at strengthening healthcare services and supporting medical specialists, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a significant hike in stipends for senior residents, specialists, and super specialists working in health institutions across the state. Along with the adoption of modern technologies and upgrades to medical infrastructure, this decision marks a historic step toward improving healthcare delivery.
The government has increased the monthly stipends of medical specialists by 50% to 170%. The stipend for senior residents and specialist tutors has been raised from ₹60,000–₹65,000 to ₹1 lakh, while the stipend for super specialists and senior residents in super specialties has been increased from ₹60,000–₹65,000 to ₹1.3 lakh.
Himachal Pradesh currently has six medical colleges and one super-specialty hospital. Institutions like IGMC Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, play a vital role in providing advanced healthcare services, largely supported by postgraduate super specialists and senior residents. However, out of 751 sanctioned specialist positions across medical colleges, only 375 are currently filled, leaving 376 posts vacant and straining healthcare services.
Recognizing the seriousness of this challenge, the current government has taken decisive action where previous administrations did not. The enhanced stipends are expected to make government service more attractive to skilled medical professionals, helping to bridge the gap and strengthen healthcare delivery at all levels. Additionally, doctors who take study leave for further specialization will now receive their full salary, encouraging professional development within the state.
The government is also working to implement international standards for doctor-nurse-patient ratios and is accelerating recruitment processes to meet these benchmarks. According to health department data, approximately 950,000 patients leave Himachal Pradesh each year seeking treatment elsewhere, resulting in an estimated ₹1,350 crore loss to the state’s GDP. Providing quality healthcare within the state could save around ₹550 crore annually, while also saving patients considerable time and inconvenience.
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