Two 50-Bed Critical Care Blocks and Five DIPHLs to Boost Himachal’s Health Infrastructure

Shimla, April 18: In a major step to strengthen healthcare delivery in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has approved the establishment of two 50-bed Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and five District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs) across various districts. The Rs 193.75 crore project aims to make healthcare services more accessible, modern, and emergency-ready.

As per the State Cabinet’s decision, a 50-bed Critical Care Block will be set up at PHC Swahan in Bilaspur and another at Civil Hospital Rohru in Shimla district. These facilities will be equipped with ICUs, HDUs, isolation beds, dialysis units, emergency services, labor rooms, operation theaters, and point-of-care laboratories—positioning them as lifelines in both routine care and medical emergencies.

Equipped for Emergencies

Each CCB will be linked to existing district hospitals and function as regular medical units. However, during a health crisis like COVID-19, these blocks can act as independent containment and treatment zones. The construction cost per block is estimated at Rs 16.63 crore, with Rs 27.12 crore allocated for high-end medical equipment.

DIPHLs to Strengthen Diagnostics

In a parallel move, the state will set up District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs) at:

• District Hospital Hamirpur

• Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba

• Dr. Radha Krishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur

These laboratories will house advanced diagnostic units in clinical pathology, hematology, microbiology, psychology, and biochemistry, aiming to improve testing speed and disease surveillance. Each DIPHL, to be developed at Rs 21.25 crore, will have a recurring annual cost of Rs 49.05 lakh and employ specialist doctors, technicians, and support staff.

More Support for Maternal and Child Health

The Cabinet has also given the green light for equipment procurement for Mother and Child Hospital Wings at:

• Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla

• Regional Hospital, Una

• Civil Hospital, Sunder Nagar, Mandi

This move is expected to significantly improve maternal and infant care in these regions.

With these infrastructure developments, the Himachal Pradesh government reaffirms its commitment to building a robust, responsive, and inclusive healthcare system for all.