Himachal medical students to visit University of Illinois under exchange programme

Medical students from Himachal Pradesh will get an opportunity to visit the University of Illinois in the United States under an exchange programme announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The programme will also include visits by medical teachers and faculty exchanges aimed at supporting specialised training, teaching, research and professional development.

“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,” Sukhu said.

According to PTI, the chief minister made the announcement after a delegation from the university's Board of Trustees, led by Manuraj Sood, met him in Shimla on Monday. The two sides held detailed discussions on various aspects of medical education and research in Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu said the Memorandum of Agreement signed earlier 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 added.

The chief minister said the state government was adopting world-class medical technologies and equipment. “Efforts will 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 will provide all possible support and assistance for this purpose,” he said.

Speaking about innovation in medical education and healthcare services, Sukhu 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 to improve healthcare in the state.

“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 will also help prevent diseases,” PTI quoted Sukhu as saying.

He also stressed the need to study traditional food grains, eating habits and the availability of clean drinking water.

The proposed exchanges with the University of Illinois will focus on training students and teachers, sharing academic and technical resources, promoting research and introducing advanced medical practices in Himachal Pradesh.- EndsRead | Nilekani-led task force gets January 2027 deadline to submit exam reform report