Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Health & Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda to discuss strengthening the state's emergency health systems and advancing key medical education initiatives.
During the meeting, CM Dhami requested the expansion of the air ambulance service operated by AIIMS Rishikesh and appealed for an additional helicopter to boost emergency operations in the remote and challenging terrains of Uttarakhand.
He also urged the Centre to raise the central contribution for SECC beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme from ₹1,052 to ₹1,500 per family.
Expressing appreciation for the involvement of AIIMS specialists in the Char Dham Yatra, the Chief Minister suggested that such travel duties be considered as part of medical residents’ training requirements.
The Chief Minister emphasized the progress of two upcoming medical institutions — Jagjivan Ram Medical College in Pithoragarh and Pandit Ram Sumer Shukla Medical College in Rudrapur — and requested that they be cleared to begin academic sessions in 2026–27.
Additionally, he sought faster approvals for Tehri Medical College, which is being developed in partnership with THDC. Stressing the need for emergency preparedness in the region, CM Dhami also sought central support for establishing a state-of-the-art trauma centre at Srinagar Medical College, noting its importance for local populations, Char Dham pilgrims, and tourists visiting the Himalayan region.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured CM Dhami of the Union Government’s full cooperation on all the proposals discussed. The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of the state and central governments to improve healthcare delivery in Uttarakhand and expand opportunities in medical education.