Himachal to Invest Rs. 207.50 Crore to Upgrade Diagnostic Services Under ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ Initiative.
CM Sukhu’s transformative healthcare push to equip medical colleges with modern diagnostic technology.
Shimla:
In a major step towards overhauling the public healthcare infrastructure, the Himachal Pradesh Government has announced a significant allocation of Rs. 207.50 crore exclusively for strengthening diagnostic services under its broader health reform mission—‘Vyavastha Parivartan’. The total proposed outlay for this initiative stands at Rs. 606.70 crore, aimed at systemic transformation of health institutions across the State.
The move, initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, comes as part of the government’s plan to address long-standing challenges in the healthcare delivery system, particularly in diagnosis.
A government spokesperson informed that the decision follows the Chief Minister’s directive to modernize medical infrastructure and provide faster, more accurate diagnostic support to patients relying on government hospitals.
“Most of our government medical colleges and hospitals are currently using diagnostic machines that are 15 to 20 years old. These outdated systems significantly hinder accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. The Chief Minister has therefore directed immediate replacement with advanced, modern equipment,” said the spokesperson.
Major Diagnostic Upgrades Across Medical Colleges.
As per the detailed proposal prepared by the Health Department, the following installations are planned across key institutions:
High-resolution MRI Machines: 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines will be installed at five major institutions—IGMC Shimla, SLBSGMC Mandi, Dr. YSPGMC Nahan, GMC Chamba, and Atal Institute of Medical Super Speciality, Chamiyana.
Advanced CT Imaging Systems: Each of the seven medical colleges in the State will receive two modern CT scanners to enhance imaging capacity.
Mobile and Ceiling-Suspended DR X-ray Units: Each college will be equipped with five mobile DR units and two ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines, increasing imaging flexibility and access in emergencies.
Ultrasound & Mammography Facilities: Every college will get two high-end ultrasound machines with colour Doppler capability, one mammography unit, and four portable ultrasound machines.
Digital Health Infrastructure: A Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) will be installed in each medical college, along with a radiology workstation equipped with 3D imaging software. Additionally, Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla will also benefit from PACS installation.
Addressing Staff Training & Medical Education
The government is also taking steps to address operational gaps beyond equipment. “The challenges are not limited to outdated machines; there’s also a shortage of trained staff to operate newer technologies. To resolve this, the Chief Minister has outlined 14 critical focus areas in the proposal, including simulation-based training, digital health, cancer care, and critical care,” the spokesperson said.
Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that patients receive quality care within the State. “The goal is to strengthen the State’s healthcare system so that people don’t have to travel outside Himachal for specialized treatment. We are also looking to enhance medical education through this modernization drive,” he said.
A Step Towards Self-Reliant Public Health
This initiative marks a significant move towards a self-reliant and efficient healthcare system in Himachal Pradesh. With improved diagnostic capabilities, faster treatment decisions, and modern training tools, the government aims to drastically uplift the quality and reach of medical services for the people, especially in remote and underserved regions.
The ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ scheme signals a pivotal moment for public health transformation in the State—one that places patient care, medical accuracy, and systemic reform at its core.
