Himachal Govt allocates ₹1,570 crore to transform health sector: CM announces

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to transform its healthcare sector with a planned investment of ₹1,570 crore. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement, emphasizing that the funds will be used to purchase advanced medical equipment and machinery, significantly improving healthcare infrastructure across the state. This development aims to provide better medical services to the residents of Himachal Pradesh, who often travel to other states for diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Cancer care and advanced facilities

A major highlight of this initiative is the establishment of a Cancer Care Centre of Excellence at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College in Hamirpur. This facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including the state’s first cyclotron machine, and offer radiation and nuclear medicine therapy. The estimated cost of this center is ₹300 crore, and it is expected to provide world-class cancer treatment to patients within the state.

The Chief Minister noted that each year, approximately 9.50 lakh patients from Himachal Pradesh travel outside the state for medical services. This not only causes inconvenience to patients and their families but also results in an annual economic loss of ₹1,350 crore to the state’s GDP. The government’s focus on upgrading healthcare facilities is aimed at addressing this issue by making advanced medical services accessible within the state.

ALSO READ: Himachal Govt declares 2-day closure of offices to mourn Ex-PM Manmohan Singh

ALSO READ: Himachal HC clears path: Operations resume for five specialised outpatient departments

Medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh are being upgraded with robotic surgery facilities in departments such as neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. This initiative will ease the workload of doctors and enhance the quality of treatment for patients. Additionally, modern PET scan and MRI machines are being installed at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, Kangra. These machines will soon be operational, further improving diagnostic capabilities.

The Chief Minister has directed the strengthening and upgrading of 69 healthcare facilities across the state. This will include the addition of specialty beds, improved diagnostic capabilities, and enhanced secondary care and emergency services. Hospitals will also receive upgraded equipment, fire safety measures, and improved internal mobility infrastructure.

Special attention will be given to setting up in-house laboratories at zonal, regional, district, and community health centers. These labs will ensure timely and accurate diagnostic services, enhancing overall treatment efficiency.

Focus on accelerated implementation

Chief Minister Sukhu has instructed officials to expedite the implementation of these healthcare projects. He assured that the government will allocate additional funding if required, underscoring the administration’s commitment to revolutionizing the state’s healthcare system. The CM emphasized that improving healthcare is a top priority for the government and stressed the need for swift action to bring these facilities to fruition.

This ambitious initiative by the Himachal Pradesh government is expected to significantly improve the quality of medical care available to the state’s residents. By investing in advanced technology and infrastructure, the government aims to minimize the need for patients to seek treatment outside the state, thereby saving both time and resources. These measures promise to elevate the state’s healthcare system to new heights, benefiting thousands of patients each year.