SHIMLA, March 19: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly that all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state will be provided with doctors within the next six months.
The assurance came during the ongoing budget session, where concerns were raised over shortages of medical staff, particularly in rural and remote areas. The government said it is working on a structured plan to address gaps in healthcare services.
According to officials, the move aims to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, especially in regions where access to doctors has remained limited for years.
Addressing Healthcare Gaps in Rural Himachal
The Chief Minister acknowledged that several PHCs are currently operating without full-time doctors, impacting timely medical treatment for residents.
He stated that the government has initiated recruitment processes and policy adjustments to ensure that medical professionals are deployed across all health centres.
The administration is also considering incentives to encourage doctors to serve in remote areas, including better facilities and support systems.
Recruitment Plan and Implementation Timeline
Officials indicated that the health department is working on filling vacant posts through new recruitments and transfers. The six-month timeline reflects the government’s intent to fast-track deployment.
The initiative is expected to improve healthcare outcomes by reducing dependency on district hospitals and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment at the primary level.
The announcement is part of a broader effort by the state government to improve public services and infrastructure amid ongoing fiscal and administrative challenges.
The development has drawn attention as a key policy commitment during the budget session, with its implementation likely to be closely monitored in the coming months.
