Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen diagnostic facilities across government health institutions. A total of ₹213.75 crore is being invested to install advanced diagnostic equipment, aimed at improving timely and accurate disease detection.
The Chief Minister stressed that delayed diagnosis often leads to worsening health conditions, making modernisation essential. The Health Department finalized the blueprint after detailed discussions led by the Chief Minister and feedback from doctors at medical colleges and district hospitals. Inputs were taken during his interactions with doctors at Chamiyana Hospital, IGMC Shimla and Tanda Medical College.
A Health Department spokesperson announced that five high-resolution MRI machines, worth ₹95 crore, are being procured for IGMC Shimla, Chamiyana Hospital, Nerchowk Medical College, Nahan Medical College and Chamba Medical College. Similarly, two advanced CT scan machines will be installed in each of the seven medical colleges at a cost of ₹28 crore.
The plan further includes:
- 35 digital radiography units worth ₹8.75 crore
- 14 ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines costing ₹14 crore
- Two advanced ultrasound units per medical college, totalling ₹14 crore
- Seven digital mammography units worth ₹14 crore
- Eight Imaging Archive and Retrieval Technology (IART) systems worth ₹40 crore for seven medical colleges and Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla
The spokesperson said that providing high-quality, affordable healthcare within the state is a top priority for the government. The aim is to reduce patients’ dependence on facilities outside Himachal Pradesh for costly diagnostic procedures.
Alongside diagnostic upgrades, the government is also reinforcing other components of the healthcare system by filling vacant posts of doctors, technicians and paramedical staff. Special focus is being placed on professional training programmes to enhance the skillset and efficiency of medical personnel.
