CM Sukhu Directs Upgrade of All Medical Colleges with Modern Facilities by Year-End.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Health Department to upgrade all government medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh with modern medical equipment and improved infrastructure by the end of this year to strengthen healthcare services across the state.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Health Department today, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to providing quality healthcare closer to people’s doorsteps by modernising medical institutions and addressing shortages of healthcare professionals.
Sukhu said the government has already filled thousands of vacancies in the Health Department to overcome manpower shortages and is introducing advanced technology in the state’s healthcare system on the lines of AIIMS, New Delhi. He assured that the government would extend full support to ensure efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services.
Reviewing ongoing projects, the Chief Minister said three advanced diagnostic testing laboratories are being established at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, and Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiyana. The government has released Rs. 75 crore for these facilities.
He further informed that a PET scan machine has already been installed at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, while the procurement process for PET scan machines at Tanda and Hamirpur medical colleges is underway.
To strengthen healthcare services, Sukhu said the recruitment process for 71 posts in various paramedical categories and 50 Junior Office Assistant (IT) posts is in progress. Besides, the government has sanctioned an additional 162 paramedical posts to further improve staffing in medical institutions.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of creating a conducive academic environment in medical colleges. He directed officials to maintain smaller batches of around 60 students to ensure quality medical education. He said Rs. 5.76 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of three lecture theatres and an examination hall at IGMC, Shimla, while an additional Rs. 14.13 crore has been allocated for a lecture theatre at Tanda Medical College.
He also reviewed infrastructure projects at AIMSS Chamiyana, including the construction of a Critical Care Block costing Rs. 23.75 crore and an additional block estimated at Rs. 42 crore, directing officials to expedite both projects.
The Chief Minister said that with improved infrastructure, modern technology and adequate manpower, the state would be able to provide better and more accessible healthcare services to its people while also strengthening medical education across Himachal Pradesh.
Advocate General Anup Rattan, Principal Secretary (Health) M. Sudhadevi, Secretary to the Chief Minister Ashish Singhmar, NHM Mission Director Pradeep Thakur, Special Secretary Dr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Director of Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri and other senior officials attended the meeting.
