Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Health Department to work towards achieving a zero waiting period for diagnostic services such as CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds, ensuring timely and hassle-free healthcare for patients.
Chief Minister's Directives
While presiding over a meeting with the Diagnostic Departments of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and Super Specialty Hospital, Chamiyana, the Chief Minister sought suggestions and support from doctors to further strengthen diagnostic services and realise the goal of zero waiting time for patients.
“The state government is providing the required manpower and modern diagnostic equipment, and the department must make concerted efforts to eliminate waiting time for these essential services,” Sukhu said. He reiterated that the present state government remains committed to upgrading health infrastructure and delivering quality healthcare to every citizen.
Staffing and Equipment Upgrades
Sukhu said the state government is filling vacant posts of medical, paramedical and technical staff on a priority basis to provide world-class healthcare services within the state, thereby reducing the need for patients to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced treatment.
Responding to a demand raised by doctors of IGMC, the Chief Minister assured that a 256-slice CT scan machine would be provided shortly. He assured that there was no dearth of funds for the health and education sectors and the government will extend all possible support to strengthen public healthcare and serve the people of the state.
Rs 3,000 Crore for Medical Equipment
Sukhu said that the state government was comprehensively strengthening healthcare infrastructure across all government medical colleges. He informed that Rs 3,000 crore had been earmarked for the procurement of high-end medical equipment comparable to that available at AIIMS, New Delhi. These advanced machines would be installed not only in medical colleges but also in district, zonal and other civil hospitals across the state to enhance access to quality healthcare, he added.
Meeting Attendees
Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary (Health) M Sudha Devi, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director of Health Services Dr Gopal Beri, and other senior officers were present during the meeting.
