Minister inaugurates portable digital X-ray machine to boost TB screening

Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan inaugurated a Rs 25-lakh portable handheld digital X-ray machine at the Chamber of Commerce in Paonta Sahib. The minister highlighted that the machine would play a vital role in a 100-day tuberculosis (TB) screening campaign initiated in Sirmaur district, aimed at eradicating the disease by March.

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With this machine, healthcare camps will be organised across various locations, enabling door-to-door TB screening. The device, donated by Sun Pharma Industries Limited, was praised for its utility and the minister expressed gratitude to the company for its contribution. He also urged other industrial units to actively participate in such initiatives for societal benefit.

Chauhan noted that Himachal Pradesh provides a conducive environment for industries, with 35% of India’s pharmaceutical companies having established operations in the state. Factors like 24-hour electricity at lower tariffs compared to other states have made the region an attractive destination for investors.

The minister emphasised the government’s efforts to attract more industries to the state, thereby boosting revenue and generating employment opportunities for the youth. He claimed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh has attracted Rs 10,000 crore in new industrial investments since the Congress government came to power. He expressed confidence that the state is moving towards self-reliance and aims to achieve this goal by 2032.

Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure in rural and remote areas, Chauhan announced plans to expand facilities and staff in hospitals across Sirmaur district. He pointed out that Paonta Sahib’s Civil Hospital serves not only the local population but also patients from Shillai, Renukaji and neighbouring Uttarakhand, with 700-800 patients visiting daily. Strengthening the hospital’s facilities is therefore a top priority.