Shimla, April 27 — Even after offering hefty hikes in stipends to attract medical specialists, the Himachal Pradesh government remains clueless about how to fill the widening gaps in its healthcare system.
The reality is stark: out of 751 sanctioned posts for specialists across six medical colleges in the state, only 375 are filled.
A staggering 376 posts remain vacant, putting enormous strain on existing medical services and leaving critical healthcare delivery crippled.
Faced with mounting criticism, the state government recently announced a "historic" stipend hike — raising monthly stipends for Senior Residents and Tutor Specialists from ₹60,000–65,000 to ₹1 lakh, and for Super Specialists to ₹1.30 lakh.
Increases range between 50% and 170%, the government claims. Doctors on study leave will now also be paid full salaries, in a bid to encourage professional development.
But critics say salary hikes alone won’t cure a chronic, systemic malaise. Newer medical colleges need more faculty members.
Rule of the thumb in these colleges is this: Whenever NMC inspection takes place, the faculty members from IGMC and RPGMC Tanda are deputed to present a rosier picture of the faculty position so that its recognition is maintained.
Despite the government's chest-thumping, senior faculty at IGMC Shimla, GMC Tanda, and the newer medical colleges remain tight-lipped about why specialists continue to leave — preferring positions in other states or private hospitals offering better infrastructure, research opportunities, and work culture.
"The government needs to do serious soul-searching beyond just throwing money at the problem," said a senior doctor at IGMC, requesting anonymity.
"Specialists want decent facilities, clean and secure hostels, updated equipment, and a supportive work environment — things that are still woefully missing."
In reality, even as the state talks about introducing modern technologies and expediting recruitment, core issues like political interference, poor infrastructure, administrative apathy, and lack of long-term planning remain unaddressed.
The shortage has wider economic consequences too. Health department data reveals that 9.5 lakh patients from Himachal travel outside the state every year for treatment, draining ₹1350 crore annually from the state’s GDP.
Experts estimate that ₹550 crore could be saved if quality healthcare were available within the state.
Critics argue that unless Himachal radically overhauls its approach.
It can be done by increasing PG seats, offering career growth, ensuring better working conditions, less political interference in promotion and postings, and addressing the reasons specialists leave.
The stipend hikes will only offer a temporary balm to a festering wound.
For now, the government may have taken a step, but unless it walks the entire distance, Himachal’s healthcare system risks slipping deeper into crisis.
