In a landmark push to strengthen healthcare services, the Himachal Pradesh Government on Sunday unveiled a comprehensive strategy to attract and retain specialist doctors across the State. Along with a historic hike in stipends — up to 170 percent — for Senior Residents, Specialists, and Super Specialists, the government has announced full-pay benefits for doctors on study leave, plans to implement international standards for doctor-nurse-patient ratios, and fast-tracking of recruitment processes.
These sweeping reforms aim to bridge the acute shortage of specialists in government medical institutions, improve healthcare delivery, and reduce the economic burden caused by patients seeking treatment outside the state.
Under the new policy, stipends for Senior Residents and Tutor Specialists have been increased from the earlier range of Rs 60,000-65,000 to Rs one lakh per month. For Super Specialists and Senior Residents (Super Specialists), the monthly stipend has been raised to Rs 1.30 lakh. This translates to an enhancement between 50 to 170 percent, a move that aims to make government service more attractive for skilled medical professionals who have traditionally preferred private sector opportunities.
Currently, Himachal Pradesh has six government medical colleges and one super-specialty hospital, with prominent institutions like Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, forming the backbone of critical healthcare services in the state. However, the shortage of specialists has been a persistent challenge. Out of 751 sanctioned posts for specialists across these medical colleges, only 375 are filled, leaving 376 positions vacant — a gap that has impacted the quality and reach of healthcare services.
The government’s new measures seek to directly address this shortage. Apart from enhancing stipends, doctors who proceed on study leave will now receive full pay — a move intended to support their academic and professional development without financial strain. Efforts are also underway to implement international standards for doctor-nurse-patient ratios across hospitals and medical colleges in the state. The recruitment process for healthcare staff is being expedited to meet these standards and to ensure quality medical services are accessible to people within Himachal Pradesh.
According to Health Department data, around 9.5 lakh patients travel outside the state annually for treatment, resulting in an economic loss of approximately Rs 1,350 crore to the state's GDP. The government estimated that by improving healthcare facilities within Himachal Pradesh, nearly Rs 550 crore could be saved each year, alongside saving critical time for patients who currently have to seek care outside the state.
The shortage of super-specialist doctors has been a longstanding issue. In the absence of competitive pay, proper perks, and a conducive working environment, the state has struggled to attract and retain specialists in government service. As per reports, in the past two years, several doctors who initially joined the state's top medical colleges left their positions within months, citing lack of cordial working conditions, the absence of a separate cadre for specialists, and inadequate support from higher authorities.
Over the past year alone, six super specialists — four from IGMC, Shimla, and two from Tanda Medical College — resigned from their contractual posts and joined private hospitals. These doctors had initially been assured of regularization and Assistant Professor appointments by the State Government, but official delays in advertising posts and completing the process forced them to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The significant pay disparity between government and private sector salaries was identified as a major factor behind this exodus. With the recent enhancements in stipends and steps to improve working conditions, the State Government now aimed at reversing this trend and strengthening its public healthcare system.
By addressing these critical gaps and taking decisive actions, the Government hopes not only to provide better healthcare to its citizens but also to retain homegrown medical talent that previously sought opportunities outside the state.
· Increased stipends for Senior Residents, Specialists, Super Specialists by 50 to 170%
· Raised stipends to Rs 1 lakh for Senior Residents; and Rs 1.30 lakh for Super Specialists
· Granted full pay to doctors during study leave
· Expedited recruitment to fill vacant specialist posts
· Planning to implement international doctor-nurse-patient ratio standards
· Upgrading medical infrastructure by introducing modern healthcare technologies
