Una Regional Hospital to Get Two New Ambulances; Deputy CM Announces Key Healthcare Reforms

Una | August 3: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri chaired the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) Governing Body meeting at the Regional Hospital, Una, and announced several measures to strengthen healthcare services, improve hospital management and provide greater support to patients.

The Deputy CM directed the district administration to provide two fully equipped ambulances to the hospital to ensure timely emergency medical care. To speed up essential works, he enhanced the financial powers of the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent, allowing immediate expenditure of up to ₹5 lakh under various RKS heads and up to ₹15 lakh for sanitation-related works without prior approval.

To streamline ambulance movement and parking within the hospital, Agnihotri ordered the formation of a committee under the Superintendent of Police, Una. The panel will submit recommendations after consulting the hospital administration and other stakeholders.

The meeting also approved a marginal increase in ambulance charges for patients referred from Una to PGI Chandigarh. However, the Chief Medical Officer has been authorised to provide concessions of up to ₹500 for economically weaker patients. Financial assistance through the RKS will also be extended to needy patients requiring diagnostic services such as CT scans.

The Deputy CM directed officials to fill vacant posts of watchmen and attendants through multipurpose workers and approved a ₹3,000 increase in the honorarium of employees working under the RKS.

The Governing Body also approved the 2025–26 RKS accounts, recording an income of about ₹2.59 crore and expenditure of ₹1.87 crore. It also cleared the proposed 2026–27 budget with an estimated income of ₹4.25 crore and expenditure of ₹3.28 crore.

Agnihotri further instructed officials to improve road safety at the hospital entrance, install directional signage towards the Regional Hospital and Baba Bal Ji Maharaj Temple, and provide street lighting up to the temple through the Una Municipal Council.

CMO Dr. S.K. Verma and Medical Superintendent Dr. Sanjay Mankotia presented details of hospital services and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including ward renovations, expansion of ECG facilities, strengthening of the orthopaedic department and the PSA oxygen plant. Former Una MLA Satpal Singh Raizada and Zila Parishad Chairperson Pawan Lambardar also offered suggestions for improving patient care.