Himachal to Offer NPA to Super-Speciality Doctors in Bid to Retain Talent
Shimla, June 19: In a significant move aimed at attracting and retaining highly qualified medical professionals, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to provide Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) to super-speciality doctors.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the decision while chairing a high-level review meeting of the Health Department on Thursday.
The Chief Minister said the incentive was part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen healthcare services and ensure that patients receive advanced treatment within the state.
He reiterated that there was no shortage of funds for modernizing the health sector and highlighted that several reforms undertaken during the last three-and-a-half years were already showing positive results.
Sukhu said the state was investing nearly ₹3,000 crore in modern medical equipment and infrastructure, with medical colleges being upgraded to standards comparable to All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
He added that zonal and regional hospitals in districts without medical colleges were also being strengthened to improve access to quality healthcare.
The Chief Minister said recruitment drives were underway to fill vacancies of doctors, paramedics and technicians across health institutions.
He noted that the introduction of robotic surgery in the state had reduced the need for patients to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced treatment, resulting in significant savings for families.
Sukhu also directed the Health Department to classify Community Health Centres according to population coverage so that manpower and infrastructure could be deployed based on actual needs. He said the move would help bring quality healthcare services closer to people's doorsteps and further improve the state's public health delivery system.
