Himachal Pradesh to Replace Outdated Medical Equipment with Rs. 1800 Crore Investment for Better Healthcare Services.
Shimla:
The state government of Himachal Pradesh is set to overhaul its healthcare infrastructure with a substantial Rs. 1800 crore investment aimed at replacing outdated medical equipment across government hospitals. This ambitious initiative, which addresses the widespread use of medical machinery that has been in operation for up to 40 years, is designed to improve patient care, reduce treatment delays, and lower healthcare costs.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken swift action to replace these obsolete machines, which have long hampered the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Studies suggest that delays in diagnosis due to old equipment can increase medical costs by 30–50% for patients. In response to the growing demand for modern healthcare services, Sukhu has emphasized the importance of ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments for patients, as the previous administrations failed to tackle this pressing issue.
Under this plan, the health department has prepared a comprehensive project report to upgrade public healthcare facilities and offer world-class services. The overhaul will focus on four key aspects:
- Introduction of Robotic Surgery and Advanced Diagnostics
The state government plans to introduce robotic surgery across all medical colleges, along with cutting-edge radiology and laboratory equipment. Each medical college will be equipped with world-class diagnostic tools, including 3-Tesla MRI machines, 256-slice high-end CT scan machines, PET scan machines, and other advanced equipment. These upgrades aim to ensure timely and precise detection of diseases, facilitating more effective treatments. Additionally, modular operation theatres will be established in these institutions. - Establishment of a Modern Cancer Care Center
Currently, Himachal Pradesh lacks a modern cancer hospital, forcing patients to travel outside the state for treatment. To address this gap, the government will set up a 150-bed Cancer Care Center in Hamirpur, offering advanced facilities such as radiation therapy and nuclear medicines. This state-of-the-art center will significantly strengthen the fight against cancer within the state and provide patients with access to world-class cancer treatments locally. - Expansion and Digitization of Healthcare Services
The government will improve healthcare access across 69 government institutions, including zonal, regional, and district hospitals, as well as community health centers (CHCs). These institutions will be equipped with fully or semi-automated laboratories, digital X-ray machines, high-end ultrasound machines, and improved ICU and operating theatres. In addition, efforts will be made to digitize these facilities to enhance patient care and streamline hospital management. - Reducing Economic Loss and Retaining Patients
According to health department data, approximately 9.5 lakh patients travel outside the state each year for medical treatment, resulting in an economic loss of around Rs. 1350 crore annually. By making high-quality healthcare services available within the state, the government estimates that Himachal Pradesh could save approximately Rs. 550 crore each year, while patients would also benefit from reduced travel time and lower treatment costs.
Chief Minister Sukhu has directed the health department to implement these changes swiftly and in a time-bound manner to ensure that the people of Himachal Pradesh receive the best possible healthcare within the state. He has stressed that this overhaul will not only improve the health and well-being of the state’s residents but also positively impact the economy by preventing the loss of revenue caused by patients seeking treatment elsewhere.
With these comprehensive reforms, the state government is working to position Himachal Pradesh as a hub for modern and accessible healthcare, ensuring that the people of the state no longer need to travel far for quality treatment.
