In a major push to upgrade public healthcare infrastructure, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil announced that state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment—including CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, and phaco machines—will be fully procured and operational in medical colleges, Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans, and other health institutions by August 2025.
Chairing a Special High Power Purchase Committee (HPPC) meeting, Dr. Shandil emphasized that the new equipment will significantly enhance healthcare delivery across the state, reducing the need for patients to travel to neighboring states for advanced diagnostics. “We have the doctors and expertise; now we’re bridging the gap with technology,” he said.
He also revealed that quality-enhanced baby care kits comprising 18 essential items will be distributed to newborns in both government and private hospitals starting August 2024. Procurement for these kits is in the final stage.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to health sector modernization, Dr. Shandil assured that adequate budget provisions have been made and directed the committee to expedite the purchase process. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability throughout.
Dr. Shandil reiterated the government’s goal of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a hub for health tourism. He added that 69 Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans—one in each assembly constituency, and two in Lahaul & Spiti—are already functional, each staffed with six specialist doctors. With the integration of modern medical machinery, these institutions aim to set new benchmarks in rural and regional healthcare delivery.
