Key Points

As part of this initiative, the government has proposed a comprehensive investment of Rs. 606.70 crore, with over one-third of the amount, Rs 207.50 crore, earmarked specifically for strengthening diagnostic services across the State, according to a release.

A government spokesperson stated that, following the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the health department has prepared a detailed blueprint for the proposal. This move stems from the fact that patients in government hospitals often face the greatest difficulties in getting accurate diagnoses.

"Most Medical Colleges, as well as other hospitals in the State, are ill-equipped, as diagnostic machines are 15 to 20 years old. These outdated machines make it difficult for doctors to accurately detect patients' ailments. Moreover, with advancements in medical technology, more efficient machines are now available, which can lead to faster and more accurate treatments of the patients. In response to these challenges, the Chief Minister has directed the replacement of old machines with new and technologically advanced equipment in hospitals," he added.

As per the proposal, high-resolution 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines will be installed at four major medical colleges like IGMC Shimla, SLBSGMC Mandi, Dr. YSPGMC Nahan, GMC Chamba, as well as at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Speciality Chamiyana. In addition, each of the seven medical colleges in the State will be provided with two advanced CT imaging machines, five mobile digital radiography (DR) units, two ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines, two high-end ultrasound machines with colour Doppler, one mammography unit, and one Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). A PACS unit will also be installed at Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla to facilitate the patients. Furthermore, each medical college will receive four portable ultrasound machines and one radiology workstation equipped with 3D software. The installation of this cutting-edge equipment is expected to significantly upgrade diagnostic capabilities and ensure that patients in government healthcare institutions have access to faster, more accurate, and more reliable health care services in the State, the release stated.

The spokesperson further noted that most healthcare institutions across the State are currently constrained by limitations in both diagnostic and surgical capabilities. These limitations stem not only from a lack of modern equipment but also from insufficient training of the staff. To address this, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has emphasized 14 key focus areas in the proposal, including simulation-based training, cancer care, digital health, critical care etc.

He said, "The aim of this modernization effort is to provide better care to patients within the State, so they no longer have to seek specialized treatment outside the State. Additionally, this initiative is expected to strengthen medical education, leading to significant improvements in the quality of healthcare services in the State."

- ANI