The Himachal Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has prepared a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen diagnostic facilities across government health institutions in the state. A total investment of ₹213.75 crore is being made to install state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, ensuring accurate disease detection and timely treatment.
Recognizing that delays in diagnosis often worsen health outcomes, the Chief Minister has directed the Health Department to implement a large-scale modernization plan. The blueprint for this initiative was developed through extensive consultations with doctors from medical colleges and major hospitals, including IGMC Shimla, Chamiyana Hospital, and Tanda Medical College.
According to a Health Department spokesperson, five high-resolution MRI machines worth ₹95 crore are being procured for IGMC Shimla, Chamiyana Hospital, Nerchowk Medical College, Nahan Medical College, and Chamba Medical College. Additionally, two advanced CT scanners will be installed in each of the seven medical colleges at a cost of ₹28 crore.
The plan also includes the installation of 35 digital radiography units worth ₹8.75 crore (five in each medical college), 14 ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines worth ₹14 crore, and two advanced ultrasound machines in each of the seven medical colleges at a total cost of ₹14 crore. Furthermore, seven digital mammography units worth ₹14 crore and eight Imaging Archive and Retrieval Technology (IART) systems worth ₹40 crore are being set up across medical colleges and Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla.
The spokesperson said that providing high-quality and affordable healthcare within the state is a top priority for Chief Minister Sukhu. The government’s vision is to ensure that patients receive advanced medical treatment locally without needing to travel outside Himachal Pradesh.
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the government is also filling vacant posts of doctors, paramedical staff, and technicians and introducing professional training programmes to enhance the efficiency and skills of healthcare professionals.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
