Himachal health sector undergoes major overhaul
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· 157 specialists doctors deployed in 36 rural health institutions
In another move towards ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’, the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is spearheading significant changes in the realm of government health institutions. As part of this initiative, 157 specialist doctors have been strategically deployed in 36 rural health institutions across the state. Twenty two health institutions have been fortified with six or more specialists, seven health institutions have received five specialists and another six health institutions have received four specialists. The state government’s vision extends to establishing ‘Adarsh Swasthaya Sansthan’ in every assembly constituency in a phased manner, as announced by the Chief Minister in his maiden Budget Speech. The overarching goal is to strengthen healthcare facilities at the grassroots level, ensuring world class health facilities for all.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said: “The health department has been directed to equip health institutions with state-of-the-art facilities. We plan to deploy specialist doctors and upgrade equipment, with an aim to bolster their efficacy. This strategy has been meticulously developed and the initial phase encompasses 36 health institutions with a vision of providing specialized health services by deploying 157 specialist doctors in the rural areas, thus eliminating the need for arduous travel.”
Under this initiative, 134 laboratory test facilities along with specialist doctors, well trained medical personnel, and cutting-edge medical equipments for MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, and Digital X-ray facilities will be available for public service. This initiative will provide quality health services to the rural public at their doorsteps. This strategic shift is projected not only to save time and money of the people, but also to alleviate the burden on bigger healthcare establishments across the state.
By strengthening local health institutions, medical colleges are expected to experience reduced patient influx thereby improving the service quality.
Sh. Sukhu said that alongside strengthening the rural health institutions, advanced technology will be infused into prominent hospitals and medical colleges across the state. The augmentation of specialist doctors in medical colleges is poised to expedite treatment procedures and alleviate patient waiting times, he added.
The Chief Minister further stated that the introduction of robotic surgery facilities is on the horizon, scheduled for gradual implementation in all medical colleges. The state government has made substantial strides in this endeavour, with the facility poised to commence operations soon. The aspiration is to equip medical colleges with world-class medical technology. Departments such as Urology, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Gastro Surgery in medical colleges of IGMC (Shimla), Chamiana (Shimla), Tanda (Kangra), Nahan, Chamba, Nerchowk and Hamirpur are in line to receive Robotic Surgery capabilities in a phased manner.
The Chief Minister said that Rs. 100 crore have been earmarked for this initiative in the fiscal year 2023-24. This holistic approach aims to redefine healthcare accessibility, quality and efficacy for the benefit of the people of the state.
