Himachal Pradesh is accelerating its digital health transformation, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issuing clear directives to expand online health facilities across the state. In a comprehensive review of the Health and Family Welfare Department on January 9, 2026, Sukhu emphasized that technology must bridge geographical barriers in the mountainous state, where many residents live in remote villages with limited access to specialist care.

Key directives from the CM:
Full digitization of outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services in government medical colleges, district hospitals, community health centres (CHCs), and primary health centres (PHCs).
Seamless integration of telemedicine (e.g., eSanjeevani), online appointment booking, e-prescriptions, and digital health records via Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
Prioritization of rural and tribal areas for first-phase rollout, reducing patient travel to urban centres.
Timeline: Immediate planning with measurable milestones for statewide coverage by 2027.

The Chief Minister stressed citizen-centric outcomes: shorter waiting times, real-time specialist consultations, and improved follow-up care particularly vital for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and maternal health.

This push builds on existing successes: Himachal Pradesh has already digitized several facilities and integrated ABDM components, with high ABHA issuance rates in select districts. The expansion aligns with national goals under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.

Officials have been tasked with inter-departmental coordination, infrastructure upgrades (connectivity, devices), and training for healthcare workers to ensure smooth implementation.