CM Sukhu Directs Medical Colleges to Step Up Research, Strengthen Diagnostic Services Across Himachal Pradesh.
Dedicated Research Department to Come Up at IGMC Shimla in First Phase; Rs. 75 Crore Allocated for Automated Labs at Three Major Medical Institutions.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed medical colleges across the state to give greater emphasis to research and strengthen diagnostic services to ensure timely, accurate and quality healthcare for patients.
While presiding over a meeting of the Health Department in Shimla on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that medical research was of paramount importance for improving healthcare delivery and developing better treatment facilities within the state. He announced that a dedicated research department would be established at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, in the first phase, and the initiative would subsequently be replicated in other medical colleges of the state.
Focus on Faster and More Accurate Diagnostics
The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to strengthening diagnostic facilities at government health institutions so that patients could receive timely diagnosis and begin treatment at the earliest.
He directed the concerned authorities to ensure that diagnostic investigations such as MRI, CT scans and X-rays were conducted without unnecessary waiting periods. The objective, he said, was to reduce delays in diagnosis and improve the overall quality of patient care.
Emphasising the importance of efficient laboratory services, Sukhu also stressed the need to conduct blood tests within the hospitals themselves and strengthen in-house diagnostic capabilities.
Rs. 75 Crore for Automated Laboratories
The Chief Minister said the state government had sanctioned Rs. 75 crore for setting up automated laboratories at three major medical institutions — Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties, Chamiyana; IGMC Shimla; and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda.
The proposed automated laboratories will enable multiple tests to be conducted simultaneously using a single blood sample, thereby improving efficiency and reducing inconvenience to patients.
He informed the meeting that tenders have already been floated for the procurement of machines required for establishing these laboratories.
Sukhu said there was no shortage of funds for upgrading the state’s health infrastructure and assured that the government would provide all possible support for strengthening medical facilities and improving healthcare services.
Government Exploring Direct Procurement of Medicines
The Chief Minister also said that the state government was considering procuring quality medicines directly from manufacturing companies to ensure better availability and maintain quality standards.
He said necessary directions had been issued in this regard and that the government was working towards creating a system that would ensure reliable availability of medicines for patients at government healthcare institutions.
Better Working Conditions for Medical Staff
Sukhu further emphasised the need to improve working conditions for doctors, nurses, medical professionals and paramedical staff.
He said the government was making efforts to provide a better working environment for healthcare personnel, recognising their important role in delivering effective medical services to the people.
Reforms Based on Doctors’ Suggestions
The Chief Minister said that ongoing reforms in the medical sector were being undertaken after consultations and interactions with faculty members and doctors of various medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh.
He said suggestions received from medical professionals had already been incorporated into the reform process and that the government would continue to take their views into consideration while implementing further measures.
Sukhu also announced that he would soon visit medical colleges across the state to personally interact with faculty members, doctors and other healthcare professionals and understand their concerns and requirements.
World-Class Healthcare Within the State a Priority
The Chief Minister reiterated that improving the healthcare sector and providing world-class medical services to patients within Himachal Pradesh remained a priority of the state government.
He said the government was working towards strengthening medical infrastructure, improving diagnostic facilities, promoting research and ensuring better availability of medicines so that people could access quality healthcare without having to travel outside the state for specialised treatment.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Harish Janartha, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar and other senior officers of the Health Department.
