Minister Shandil-led exposure trip to UK, France postponed

An exposure visit of a health delegation, headed by Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, to London and France has been postponed. The delegation was scheduled to visit the two countries from October 2 to 11 to explore innovative healthcare models, medical advancements and policy frameworks to support the implementation of best practices in the health sector in the state.

“The visit has been postponed. The delegation will now go on the tour at a suitable time over the next six months,” the Health Minister said while addressing mediapersons here today. The delegation comprised the Health Minister, MLAs Sanjay Rattan and Capt Ranjeet Rana, Secretary (Health) Sudha Devi, several officials of the Health Department and the minister’s son. “One medical assistant can accompany anyone on the visit,” said the minister while responding to a question on the inclusion his son in the delegation

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur had said earlier that the government-sponsored tour was unfortunate as the state was reeling under the rain disaster. “Several roads are still obstructed and power and water supply is yet to be restored at many places. Patients are not getting proper medical care under the Himcare scheme. Going abroad on government expenses at such a time is unfortunate,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister said that the healthcare system in England and France was top-notch and the exposure trip of these countries would help us improve our healthcare facilities. He added that the state government had procured the latest medical equipment and was recruiting doctors and staff nurses to improve healthcare facilities in the state.