In a major push to revolutionize public health services, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday reaffirmed his government's unwavering commitment to a complete 'Vyavastha Parivartan' or systemic change in the state's medical sector. The ambitious plan is centered on delivering advanced, easily accessible, and dignified healthcare to all residents, aiming to eliminate the need for seeking specialized treatment outside the state.
People-Centric Reforms Take Center Stage
The cornerstone of this transformation is a series of welfare-focused initiatives designed with the citizen in mind. Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that dedicated outpatient departments (OPDs) for senior citizens aged 70 and above have already been made operational in major hospitals. This critical move ensures faster medical consultations, sparing the elderly from the physical strain of enduring long waiting queues.
Addressing the urgent need for specialized care within Himachal, the state government has made a significant financial commitment. A sum of Rs 5 crore each has been allocated to five major institutions: the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, the medical colleges in Tanda, Hamirpur, and Ner Chowk (Mandi), and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS) in Chamiyana. This funding is specifically for establishing crucial bone marrow transplant (BMT) infrastructure.
Embracing Cutting-Edge Medical Technology
The reform blueprint heavily integrates next-generation technology to boost efficiency and outcomes. In a landmark decision, Rs 75 crore has been approved to set up artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smart laboratories at IGMC Shimla and Tanda Medical College. These automated facilities are expected to drastically cut down diagnostic waiting times for patients.
Furthermore, Himachal Pradesh has entered a new era in surgical care. Robotic surgery has already commenced at AIMSS Chamiyana and Tanda Medical College, marking a historic milestone for public healthcare in the hill state. The Chief Minister announced that this robotic facility will be expanded to cover all medical colleges in Himachal by the early part of 2026.
Comprehensive Care from Pediatrics to Prevention
The government's vision extends across all demographics. For child healthcare, progress is underway on an advanced paediatric centre at AIMSS Chamiyana, which promises to provide world-class medical services to children within the state's borders.
On the preventive healthcare front, Sukhu noted the successful execution of a large-scale pulse polio campaign that began on December 21. This initiative includes intensive door-to-door mop-up operations to ensure complete immunisation coverage across Himachal Pradesh.
Emphasizing the scale of the government's commitment, Chief Minister Sukhu stated that nearly Rs 3,000 crore has been invested in the healthcare sector. This massive financial infusion underscores the administration's determined vision to transform Himachal Pradesh into a model health state, where every resident has access to high-quality, affordable, and technologically advanced medical treatment right at home.
