By IANS,
Shimla : Undergraduate seats in the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) here will be increased from 65 to 100 from the next session, it was announced here Saturday.
“To meet the increasing demand of medical professionals in the state, MBBS seats in the IGMCH will be enhanced from the existing 65 to 100 from the next session,” Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said.
He said the Medical Council of India has allowed the IGMCH to increase its seats.
“With the expansion of the health network in the state, the demand for professionals has increased tremendously. The increase in the number of seats will fill the vacancies of doctors,” he said.
Himachal Pradesh is facing an acute shortage of doctors, especially specialists, particularly in tribal areas.
To tide over the problem, the government has already started taking the services of private practitioners.
The government is also planning to rope in doctors from neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana.