Rs 207 cr to be spent on upgrading diagnostic facilities in state: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government would spend Rs 207.50 crore to strengthen diagnostic facilities in health institutions.

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Sukhu, in a statement issued here, said that the state government was making a determined push to revive the ailing healthcare system by launching a systemic transformation of public health institutions. “As part of this initiative, the government has proposed a comprehensive investment of Rs 606.70 crore, with Rs 207.50 crore earmarked specifically for strengthening diagnostic services in the state,” he added.

The Health Department has prepared a detailed blueprint for the proposal. The decision stems from the fact that patients in government hospitals often face difficulties in getting accurate diagnoses.

“Most of the medical colleges, as well as other hospitals in the state, are ill-equipped, as diagnostic machines are 15 to 20 years old. These outdated machines make it difficult for doctors to accurately detect patients’ ailments. Moreover, with advancement in medical technology, more efficient machines are now available, which can lead to faster and more accurate treatment of patients,” said a government spokesperson.

According to the proposal, high-resolution 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines would be installed at four major medical colleges in Shimla, Mandi, Nahan and Chamba, as well as at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana. Besides, all seven medical colleges in the state would be provided with two advanced CT imaging machines, five mobile digital radiography (DR) units, two ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines, two high-end ultrasound machines with colour Doppler, one mammography unit and one picture archiving and communication system (PACS).

The spokesperson said that most of the healthcare institutions were at present constrained by limitations in both diagnostic and surgical capabilities. “These limitations stem not only from the lack of modern equipment but also from a shortage of trained staff,” he added.