Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced that the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, will soon introduce robotic surgery facilities, making it the third institution in Himachal Pradesh to offer this advanced medical service after the Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiyana and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda.
Chairing a review meeting of the Health Department, the Chief Minister said that 40 beds have been earmarked at IGMC for robotic surgery to cater particularly to patients from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH), Shimla.
He said the state government is providing state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure world-class healthcare services for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Sukhu directed that robotic surgery for gynecological patients be started at IGMC.
He added that gynecologists from KNH would perform elective surgeries there and that the KNH administration would deploy a dedicated team for these procedures.
“This arrangement will ensure that female patients have access to advanced surgical facilities at both hospitals,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that a three-month trial period would be conducted for robotic and elective surgeries at IGMC, and necessary improvements would be made based on its outcomes.
“Our objective is to make IGMC a model institution in the field of medical innovation and patient care,” he said, adding that this step will also enhance the skill set of doctors and surgeons working in the state’s premier health institutions.
Sukhu further said that a modern diagnostic laboratory is being set up at IGMC for which Rs 25 crore has been released to the college administration. Once operational, the facility will provide advanced testing services, enabling doctors to diagnose with greater precision.
“This will particularly help gynecologists at KNH, who will be able to access accurate and timely reports to treat female patients more effectively,” he stated.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector through technological advancement, improved infrastructure, and specialized training.
He said the state government was determined to make Himachal Pradesh a leader in quality healthcare delivery by introducing innovative treatment systems and enhancing patient convenience.
He also directed the health authorities to ensure the optimal use of robotic technology and maintain close coordination between IGMC and KNH for seamless patient care.
The introduction of robotic surgery, he added, will reduce recovery time, improve surgical precision, and expand access to complex procedures for patients within the state, eliminating the need to travel outside for such treatments.