Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Pays Courtesy Call on Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a courtesy visit to Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the expansion of the air ambulance service operated by AIIMS Rishikesh and the provision of an additional helicopter to strengthen emergency services in the hilly and remote areas of Uttarakhand.

He also urged the Union Minister to increase the central contribution per SECC family under the Ayushman Bharat scheme from ₹1,052 to ₹1,500. Expressing his gratitude, the Chief Minister acknowledged the contribution of AIIMS specialists during the Char Dham Yatra and appreciated the inclusion of Yatra duty under the residency (PG training) program for postgraduate doctors.

Highlighting the state’s efforts to enhance medical education, CM Dhami mentioned that the construction work of two new medical colleges in Uttarakhand—Jagjivan Ram Medical College in Pithoragarh and Pt. Ram Sumer Shukla Medical College in Rudrapur—is progressing at a war footing. He informed that the state will submit applications to the National Medical Commission and the Government of India for these institutions to begin academic sessions from 2026–27.

He further requested the necessary approvals for the functioning of both medical colleges and urged prompt clearances for the under-construction Tehri Medical College, being developed with the support of THDC (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation).

The Chief Minister also made a humble request to the Union Government for immediate assistance to establish a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre at Srinagar Medical College and ensure its smooth operation. He emphasized that this initiative would not only benefit the local population but also serve as a lifesaving facility for pilgrims and tourists traveling through the Char Dham routes and surrounding mountainous regions.

Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda assured Chief Minister Dhami of all possible support from the Central Government.

Issued by the Department of Information & Public Relations