The Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties in Chamiyana, Shimla district, has become the first healthcare facility in Himachal Pradesh to offer robotic surgery. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the advanced surgical unit and witnessed the state’s first robotic procedure in action.
During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed hospital operations, assuring full support for its development. He announced the creation of new departments, recruitment of lab and dialysis technicians, and allocated ₹11 crore for a hostel. Plans were also revealed for installing a high-end 3-Tesla MRI machine and setting up an automated in-house laboratory with a budget of ₹23 crore.
Reflecting on his own robotic surgery five years ago, Sukhu said, “That was the seed of an idea, and today it has become reality. This facility brings cutting-edge care within reach of common citizens.” The government plans to expand robotic surgery to IGMC Shimla and medical colleges in Nerchowk, Tanda, and Hamirpur in phases.
Highlighting the state’s healthcare push, Sukhu noted an investment of over ₹3,000 crore in modern medical technology, including replacing outdated equipment such as IGMC’s 20-year-old MRI machine. Seats in key technician courses have also been significantly increased — at IGMC, from 10 to 50 in B.Sc (Medical Laboratory Technology), B.Sc (Radiology and Imaging), and B.Sc (Anesthesia and OT Technology), while Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda, saw an increase from 18 to 50 seats. Automated in-house labs will also be set up across multiple medical colleges.
The CM also inaugurated the state’s first paperless lab, enabling patients to receive reports on their mobile phones and allowing doctors direct system access.
The inaugural surgery, performed by Dr. Anant Kumar, Dr. Pamposh Raina, and Dr. Pawan Kaundal, treated a Shimla resident with a prostate condition. Completed in three hours, the patient is expected to be discharged in three to four days, compared to the eight to ten days typical for conventional surgery. Robotic surgery uses advanced arms to filter hand tremors, enabling precise movements and safer operations near delicate nerves and vessels.