Shimla, Jan. 8 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced that the Himachal Pradesh government will appoint 1,000 'rogi mitras' or patient care assistants and implement a new senior residency policy to streamline healthcare delivery.

A pilot project for the 'rogi mitra' initiative will launch in Hamirpur district, with 500 assistants assigned to medical colleges and 500 to other health institutions.

"The standard operating procedure has already been prepared. In the initial phase, 'rogi mitras' will be deployed at primary health centres," Sukhu said after presiding over a high-level meeting.

Dedicated help counters for patients over 70 years will be set up at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla, Dr...