Shimla, Feb. 15 – The Himachal Pradesh government has committed a substantial Rs 1800 crore to replace outdated medical equipment in government hospitals, many of which have been in service for over 30 to 40 years. This initiative aims to modernize healthcare facilities across the state and enhance patient care, according to an official statement released on Friday.
Recent studies highlight the severe financial implications of delayed diagnoses, suggesting that such delays can increase medical costs by up to 50 percent. Recognizing the need for more efficient healthcare, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has instructed the health department to prioritize the replacement of antiquated medical machinery.
The state’s health department has also revealed alarming statistics, indicating that approximately 9.5 lakh patients from Himachal Pradesh travel to other states for medical treatment every year. This migration of patients leads to a significant economic drain, causing a loss of Rs 1350 crore to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
In response to these challenges, the health department has formulated a comprehensive project plan aimed at providing world-class healthcare services in the state’s government hospitals. The plan includes the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure timely and accurate treatment for all residents.
Key features of the plan include the introduction of robotic surgery in all medical colleges within the state, as well as the installation of high-end radiology and laboratory equipment. The government aims to upgrade facilities with 3-Tesla MRI machines, 256-slice CT scan machines, and PET scan machines, all designed to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed. These upgrades are expected to streamline treatment processes and contribute to earlier detection of diseases.
In addition to these upgrades, the plan includes the establishment of modular operation theatres to support advanced surgical procedures and improve the overall patient experience.
A significant development under this initiative is the construction of a 150-bed Cancer Care Centre in Hamirpur, which will offer state-of-the-art treatment options, including radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. This facility is expected to provide comprehensive cancer care for patients in the region, reducing the need to seek treatment outside the state.
These efforts underscore the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality, addressing long-standing challenges faced by patients, and reducing the economic burden caused by medical tourism. By modernizing medical infrastructure and introducing advanced technologies, the state aims to offer residents top-tier healthcare services and improve overall public health outcomes.