Shimla, March 25 — Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil has warned doctors and medical staff to join their postings in remote areas or face disciplinary action. Addressing a cut motion on the Health Department in the Vidhan Sabha, he said the government will act against those refusing transfers to rural regions struggling with staff shortages.
“Action will be taken against doctors who disobey transfer orders to remote areas,” Shandil said. “They must join their postings, even if for a stipulated period, or face consequences,” he added.
The minister noted that reducing the burden on referral institutions requires strengthening healthcare in rural areas. He mentioned ongoing efforts to improve service quality by recruiting specialists and MBBS doctors.
Shandil also announced several healthcare initiatives, including robotic surgery at Tanda Medical College and Chamiana Super-specialty Hospital in Shimla. The government has allocated Rs 300 crore to upgrade medical colleges in Chamba and Hamirpur and Rs 85 crore for a cancer centre at Hamirpur.
Besides, Rs 20.73 crore has been sanctioned for a PET scan facility at Indira Gandhi Medical College, expected to be operational within three months. The government has also approved Rs 105 crore to purchase three Tesla MRI machines.
