CM Sukhu on Sunday launched the state-level Intensified Pulse Polio Campaign at Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla, on the occasion of National Immunization Day. Marking the launch, he personally administered polio drops to young children.
The Chief Minister lauded the collective efforts of doctors, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, ANMs, Panchayati Raj institutions, school teachers and the district administration for the effective organization of the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, he said that the State Government was continuously strengthening healthcare services, from primary health centres to medical colleges. He announced the establishment of an Advanced Pediatric Centre at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiyana, which will offer world-class treatment facilities for children supported by modern infrastructure.
He further announced that special OPD consultation slots would be introduced in hospitals for senior citizens above 70 years of age, ensuring they receive timely and hassle-free medical care without long waiting periods.
The Chief Minister reiterated that education and health remain the top priorities of the State Government. Modern infrastructure and advanced technology are being introduced to further improve healthcare services, and vacant posts in the health department are being filled in a phased manner to enhance service delivery.
Highlighting the objective of the Intensified Pulse Polio Campaign, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said it aims to sustain Himachal Pradesh’s polio-free status. Under the campaign, nearly six lakh children aged zero to five years will be administered polio drops at 5,793 booths across the state, with 11,706 vaccination teams deployed to ensure smooth implementation.
He informed that mop-up days will be observed on 22 and 23 December, during which door-to-door visits will be conducted to cover missed children, migrant families and high-risk areas. All necessary vaccines, cold-chain equipment and logistics have already been supplied to districts.
Emphasizing the use of modern technology in healthcare, the Chief Minister said that robotic surgery has been introduced at AIMSS Chamiyana Hospital in Shimla and Tanda Medical College in Kangra district. He added that outdated medical equipment is being replaced across medical colleges and civil hospitals, with nearly ₹3,000 crore being spent on installing MRI, CT scan and X-ray machines.
He also noted that health services in the state are being upgraded on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, and modern trauma centres equipped with advanced facilities have been established to provide improved patient care.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister interacted with patients and their attendants at Kamla Nehru Hospital and issued necessary directions to the concerned officers.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
