Chief Minister Inaugurates Advanced Tertiary Cancer Hospital at IGMC Shimla.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated a newly constructed five-story tertiary cancer hospital building at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, a significant step toward enhancing cancer treatment capabilities in Himachal Pradesh. Built at a cost of Rs. 13.50 crore, the facility increases bed capacity from 20 to 65, aiming to provide better care for cancer patients across the state.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the government’s commitment to offering world-class cancer treatment by integrating the latest medical technologies. The hospital will soon be equipped with advanced radiation therapy systems, including Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). A CT Simulator worth Rs. 7.77 crore is already installed and undergoing commissioning, while a LINAC machine, valued at Rs. 24 crore, is expected to be operational by January 2025.
Sukhu also announced a Rs. 20 crore allocation for a PET scan machine to facilitate early cancer detection. He stated, “Cancer is curable when the right treatment is provided at the right time,” highlighting the establishment of a center of excellence in Hamirpur district and the formation of a state-level committee of leading cancer specialists to guide advancements in treatment.
Addressing concerns about the rising cancer incidence in the state, which ranks second highest after the North-East, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare through the ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ initiative. He criticized the previous BJP administration for neglecting health infrastructure, asserting that the current government is focused on improving facilities and recruiting necessary medical staff.
The inauguration was attended by Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy, local MLAs, and other dignitaries, all supporting the initiative to enhance healthcare services in the region.
