Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, December 23
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to complete an inquiry into the recent incident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) by December 24 and ensure swift action based on the findings.
Chairing a meeting with senior officials from the Health Department, IGMC Shimla and the Directorate of Medical Education, the Chief Minister reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident that took place on December 22 and sought a detailed briefing on all related facts
Chief Minister Sukhu said professional conduct in institutions must remain calm and respectful, noting that behaviour reflects both individual character and an institution’s reputation.
He described the IGMC incident as condemnable and said indiscipline would not be tolerated. Highlighting IGMC’s legacy, the Chief Minister said doctors trained at the institution had brought recognition to the state nationally and internationally. He also instructed the Directorate of Medical Education to introduce induction training for doctors joining senior residency programmes, and reviewed the senior residency process with officials, issuing necessary directions.
The Chief Minister said the state government had launched several initiatives in medical education over the past three years, adopting global standards to improve working conditions for doctors and paramedical staff. He added that the government aimed to make Himachal Pradesh a model state in healthcare.
According to Sukhu, the state has decided to invest more than ₹3,000 crore to strengthen health services, expand health infrastructure and replace outdated medical equipment—some in use for over two decades—with modern technology.
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil offered suggestions related to medical education during the meeting. Senior officials, including the Chief Minister’s secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Health Secretary Sandeep Kadam, Director of Medical Education Dr Rakesh Sharma, Director of Health Dr Gopal Beri, IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr Rahul Rao, Additional Director Neeraj Kumar Gupta and other officials, were present.
