Himachal Pradesh is fast-tracking the adoption of robotic surgery across its public healthcare network, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declaring that facilities will be extended to all medical colleges by early 2026. This ambitious rollout builds on successful launches at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS) Chamiana in Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda (Kangra), marking the state’s entry into advanced robotic-assisted procedures in the government sector.

Since inception, the two operational sites have conducted over 116 surgeries in just two months 78 at Chamiana and 38 at Tanda demonstrating rapid uptake and clinical viability. Robotic systems enable minimally invasive operations with enhanced precision, smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, faster recovery, and lower complication risks particularly beneficial for urology, gynecology, oncology, and general surgery.

The phased expansion prioritizes:

Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, Hamirpur Medical College, and Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College (Nerchowk, Mandi) by January 2026.

Subsequent rollout to remaining colleges, including potential sites in Chamba and Nahan.

This initiative forms part of a broader ₹3,000 crore healthcare overhaul, encompassing advanced diagnostics, AI-equipped smart labs, dedicated senior citizen OPDs, and bone marrow transplant infrastructure (₹5 crore allocation each to five key institutions: IGMC Shimla, Tanda, Hamirpur, Nerchowk, and AIMSS Chamiana).

Surgeon training is underway, with specialists mentored at pioneer sites to ensure seamless knowledge transfer. The government emphasizes affordability charging on par with PGI Chandigarh and aims to curb medical tourism outside the state, saving patients significant costs and travel.

By democratizing robotic technology in public institutions, Himachal Pradesh seeks to provide AIIMS-level care to its 7.5 million residents, fostering a resilient, technology-driven health ecosystem.