University of ILLINOIS delegation meets Chief Minister

SHIMLA 2 November, 2026

• Research and innovation in medical education will be strengthened through exchange programmes: CM

A delegation from the Board of Trustees of the University of ILLINOIS, USA, led by Dr. Manuraj Sood, met Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today. Following the meeting, detailed discussions were held with the delegation on various aspects of medical education and research in Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was adopting international standards in medical education to ensure the best and modern healthcare services for the people. Keeping this in mind, all medical colleges in the state were being modernised and innovative steps were being taken to encourage the research.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government would organise a student exchange programme with the University of ILLINOIS for students of medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh. This would help students learn about the latest technologies and teaching methods used by the university. Medical teachers from the state would also be sent on exposure visits to the university. In addition, exchange programmes would be organised for faculty members to support specialised training, teaching, research and professional development.
The Chief Minister said that the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) previously signed with the university would be implemented effectively to improve the quality of medical education. Both sides would also exchange academic resources, research publications, teaching materials and technical knowledge.
He said that the state government was adopting world-class medical technologies and equipment. Efforts would also be made to introduce the best medical practices followed at the University of ILLINOIS to strengthen medical education in the state. The state government would provide all possible support and assistance for this purpose.
Speaking about innovations in medical education and healthcare services, the Chief Minister said there was a strong need to promote research in medical education, strengthen telemedicine services and encourage the use of advanced cancer treatment technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to further improve healthcare in the state.
He said that food and nutrition were among the most important factors for a healthy life. Keeping this in view, the state government was promoting natural farming so that people could get chemical-free food. This would also help prevent diseases. He also stressed the need to study traditional food grains, eating habits and the availability of clean drinking water.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that joint research activities, academic programmes and the exchange of educational material with the university would give a boost to medical education in Himachal Pradesh.
Representatives of the University of ILLINOIS also shared detailed information about new developments and opportunities in medical education.
Secretary (Health) Ashish Singhmar, Principal Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialty, Chamiyana and programme nodal officer Dr. Brij Sharma along with various medical experts were also present on the occasion.