Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches Advanced Nuclear Medicine Block at IGMC Shimla, Introduces PET Scan Services
In a significant boost to Himachal Pradesh’s public healthcare system, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Nuclear Medicine Block at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
In a significant boost to Himachal Pradesh’s public healthcare system, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Nuclear Medicine Block at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
The newly launched facility introduces advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan services within the government sector for the first time in the state, marking a major milestone in specialised medical care.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted that the new facility will reduce the need for patients to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for high-end diagnostic tests. Until now, many patients had to seek PET scans in other states, often leading to treatment delays and increased financial burden.
“This is a transformative step for our healthcare system. Patients will now have access to advanced diagnostic services within the state itself,” Sukhu said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Why PET Scan Facility Matters
Explaining the importance of PET imaging, the Chief Minister noted that the technology enables early detection of diseases at the metabolic and molecular levels—much earlier than conventional methods like CT scans or MRIs, which primarily detect structural changes.
The facility is expected to play a crucial role in cancer care, including:
- Early detection
- Staging and restaging
- Monitoring treatment response
- Detecting recurrence
- Predicting disease progression
Medical experts say PET scans are widely used for diagnosing cancers such as brain, lung, breast, colorectal, and thyroid. Additionally, the technology is increasingly being used in cardiology, neurology, and for detecting infections and inflammatory diseases where traditional imaging may fall short.
Focus on Modern Healthcare Infrastructure
Reaffirming the state government’s focus on modernising healthcare services, Sukhu revealed that a high-end 3 Tesla MRI machine has recently been installed at IGMC.
He also announced a major investment plan of over ₹3,000 crore aimed at upgrading medical technology across healthcare institutions in Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, ₹8 crore has been sanctioned for installing a SPECT-CT scan machine at the hospital.
A Step Towards Accessible Healthcare
With the launch of the Nuclear Medicine Block, Himachal Pradesh takes a significant leap toward providing affordable, world-class healthcare services to its residents. The move is expected to benefit thousands of patients, particularly those battling cancer and other critical illnesses.
