CM Inaugurates State-of-the-Art 3 Tesla MRI Machine at IGMC Shimla.
Shimla:
In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated a state-of-the-art 3 Tesla MRI machine at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. The high-end equipment, installed at a cost of approximately Rs. 23 crore, replaces the outdated MRI machine that had been in operation at the institution for nearly 20 years.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the introduction of 3 Tesla MRI technology — on par with that used at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi — marks a significant step in strengthening diagnostic services in the state. He emphasized that patients would no longer need to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced diagnostic procedures, saving both time and money.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare, Sukhu said similar high-end medical technologies are being introduced at Government Medical Colleges in Tanda, Shimla, Hamirpur, Nerchowk, and the upcoming medical facility at Chamiyana. He added that the Orthopaedics Department at IGMC would soon be upgraded to world-class standards, and plans for robotic orthopedic and spine surgeries have already been initiated. Advanced ICUs dedicated to Medicine, Pediatrics, and Respiratory diseases will also be established in the near future.
The Chief Minister further directed that exposure tours be organized for specialists from all Government Medical Colleges in the state to leading national and international institutions, ensuring continuous learning and adoption of cutting-edge medical advancements. He also reviewed the progress of ongoing development works at IGMC and instructed officials to ensure their timely completion.
Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government for neglecting financial management and healthcare infrastructure, stating that the present administration is investing over Rs. 3,000 crore to strengthen healthcare across Himachal Pradesh.
The event was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Health Ashwani Sharma, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Principal IGMC Dr. Sita Thakur, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri, Additional Director IGMC Neeraj Gupta, Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao, and several senior medical experts and officers.
