Himachal gears up for modern healthcare infrastructure

Shimla, July 27

Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its healthcare sector, driven by Vyavastha Parivartan, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Recognizing health and education as the foundation of a progressive society, the state government has prioritized modernization and expansion of medical infrastructure.

The Chief Minister has recently held an in-depth discussion with the doctors and other faculty members of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Tanda, Indira Gandhi medical College, Shimla and Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities, Chamiyana, Shimla (AIMSS). He reviewed staff requirements and took feedback regarding modern medical technologies and equipment aimed at modernizing health sector.

A spokesperson of the state government said that for the first time in Himachal Pradesh robotic surgery in being introduced in the state. The machines for robotic surgery have already reached the AIMSS and the government would soon recruit specialist robotic surgeons for smooth operation of the machines.

The spokesperson added that all the medical colleges, Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans and other medical institutions across Himachal Pradesh will soon be equipped with modern healthcare machines and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The government is committed to transforming the health sector by ensuring the availability of cutting-edge equipment, including CT scans, X-ray units, ultrasound machines, phaco systems and other diagnostic tools.

In a significant move to strengthen the healthcare system, the government has also decided to replace outdated health equipment which was in use since over two decades, including outdated MRI and X-Ray machines etc. The equipment which are in use for the past 18-20 years, would be replaced with the state-of-the-art machinery on par with the equipments being used by the leading health institutions in India, like AIIMS, Delhi and PGI Chandigarh.

To facilitate these purchases, the government has made adequate budgetary provisions. “The Government was procuring 3 Tesla MRI machines which were similar to the ones being used in AIMMS Delhi,” said the spokesperson. The existing MRI machines in the hospitals are around two decades old, therefore outdated, whereas 3 Tesla MRI machines offer faster results, better resolution and image quality.