Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a transformative plan to revolutionize Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare sector. With an estimated capital expenditure of ₹1570 crore, the state government aims to procure state-of-the-art medical equipment and machinery, benefiting the people of the region.
Reducing Out-of-State Healthcare Dependency
Currently, 9.50 lakh patients travel outside the state annually for diagnostics and treatments, resulting in a loss of ₹1350 crore to the state GDP. The government’s healthcare initiatives aim to save time, money, and resources while retaining healthcare expenditure within the state.
Advanced Facilities in Medical Colleges
Modernization is underway in medical colleges, including:
- Robotic Surgery Units: Being introduced for neurology, oncology, orthopedics, and more to reduce doctors’ workloads and enhance patient care.
- High-End Diagnostic Tools: Installation of PET scan and MRI machines in IGMC Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda.
Cancer Care Centre of Excellence in Hamirpur
Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, will house a ₹300 crore Cancer Care Centre of Excellence with:
- State’s First Cyclotron Machine: For advanced radiation and nuclear medicine therapy.
- 150 Dedicated Beds: Enhancing care for cancer patients.
Upgrading 69 Healthcare Facilities Statewide
The state government plans to strengthen 69 healthcare facilities with:
- Enhanced specialty beds and diagnostic capabilities.
- Secondary care, emergency services, and modular operation theatres.
- Improved safety measures, including firefighting infrastructure.
- In-house laboratories for advanced diagnostics at hospitals and community health centers.
Boosting Medical Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
These initiatives aim to curb patient migration to other states while positioning Himachal Pradesh as a hub for medical tourism.
Government Commitment to World-Class Healthcare
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare facilities to citizens at their doorstep. With no shortage of funds, the state government is poised to ensure timely completion of these projects.
Key Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting saw the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy and Ajay Solanki, and senior health officials, including Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi and Special Secretary Health Dr. Ashwani Sharma.
Medical Tourism in Himachal: A New Era of World-Class Facilities
