CM Sukhu on Sunday announced the release of ₹100 crore to the Health Department for clearing pending payments under the Himcare scheme, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across Himachal Pradesh.
Chairing a high-level meeting with senior Health Department officials, the Chief Minister said the government has undertaken several transformative reforms in the health sector over the last three and a half years to ensure advanced medical facilities are accessible closer to people’s homes.
In a major boost to diagnostic infrastructure, the government has also sanctioned ₹75 crore for establishing fully automated laboratories at Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (Chamiyana), IGMC Shimla, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. These facilities will enable multiple diagnostic tests to be conducted from a single blood sample, significantly improving efficiency and patient convenience.
The Chief Minister informed that tenders have already been floated for procuring advanced laboratory equipment as well as PET Scan machines for Tanda Medical College and Hamirpur Medical College.
Highlighting the government’s long-term vision, Sukhu said nearly ₹3,000 crore is being invested in modern medical equipment and cutting-edge healthcare technology. The aim, he noted, is to equip state health institutions with world-class facilities and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside Himachal Pradesh.
Emphasizing patient-centric healthcare, the Chief Minister directed the Health Department to ensure zero waiting time for essential diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scans. He also instructed officials to work towards eliminating delays in major surgeries at government medical colleges, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
To strengthen healthcare manpower, the government is prioritizing the recruitment of doctors, paramedical personnel, and technical staff. Sukhu reiterated that there is no shortage of funds in the health and education sectors when it comes to delivering quality and specialized services to the people.
The Chief Minister further stressed the need to provide patients with branded and high-quality medicines, suggesting that the State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation could be engaged for their procurement.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
