The state government has released Rs100 crore to the Health Department for clearing outstanding payments under the Himcare scheme. This was stated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Health Department here today.
He said the state government has also released Rs 75 crore for setting up automated laboratories in the three medical colleges — Indira Gandhi Medical College and Super Specialty Hospital, Chamiyana (Shimla), and Tanda Medical College (Kangra) — so that multiple tests can be conducted simultaneously using a single blood sample.
Sukhu said tenders have been floated for procuring machines to establish these labs, along with PET scan machines for Tanda and Hamirpur medical colleges. He said the state government is spending Rs 3,000 crore on procuring modern medical machines and equipment, and plans are underway to introduce the latest world-class technology in healthcare institutions across Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also directed the department to ensure zero waiting time for MRI, CT scan and other diagnostic services to improve facilities for patients and enable early detection of illnesses, so that timely treatment can be initiated. He also asked the Health Department to ensure zero waiting time for major surgeries in the state’s medical colleges.
He said the state government is filling vacant posts of doctors and paramedical staff on a priority basis so that patients do not suffer due to a shortage of trained manpower. He added that there is no paucity of funds in the health and education sectors for providing specialised and modern services to the people of the state.
