Himachal Pradesh Eyes Non‑Practicing Allowance for Specialist Doctors

At a health department meeting on Monday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state is mulling a Non‑Practicing Allowance (NPA) for specialist medical officers. It’s a move aimed at keeping experienced doctors in the public system, especially when private practice often lures them away.

"We want world‑class health care for every patient in Himachal," Sukhu asserted, adding that the government has already been filling vacant posts across its hospitals and medical colleges. The CM believes that a modest allowance for doctors who choose not to practice privately could be the nudge the system needs.

In parallel, the state plans to pour about Rs 800 crore into its cancer‑care network. Rising cancer cases have spurred the creation of an expert committee that will map out a roadmap for upgrading facilities, from diagnostic labs to treatment centers.

Modernisation doesn’t stop at money. The government is eyeing high‑end equipment comparable to what you find at AIIMS Delhi, hoping to boost both diagnostics and patient outcomes. There’s also a push for exposure trips abroad, giving faculty and students a glimpse of cutting‑edge practices in renowned hospitals.

Beyond machines, Sukhu highlighted the state’s ambition to explore new‑age therapies such as gene and molecular treatments. He said these initiatives, combined with the proposed NPA, signal a broader commitment to elevating Himachal’s health‑care ecosystem.

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Sanjay Awasthy, and other senior officials attended the meeting, while principals of the state’s government medical colleges joined virtually. The consensus was clear: a stronger, more attractive public health sector is essential for the state’s future.