Himachal Government to Invest ₹1800 Crore in Modernizing Medical Equipment for Better Healthcare

In a major step towards enhancing healthcare services, the Himachal Pradesh government has allocated ₹1800 crore to replace outdated medical equipment in government hospitals, some of which have been in use for over three to four decades. The delays in treatment due to obsolete machinery have been a significant concern, often leading to worsening health conditions and an increase in medical expenses by 30-50% for patients. Addressing this issue, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the immediate modernization of medical infrastructure to ensure timely and effective healthcare. The health department has prepared a comprehensive project report focused on providing world-class medical services across government institutions.

As part of the initiative, robotic surgery will be introduced in all medical colleges, along with the installation of state-of-the-art radiology and laboratory equipment, including 3-Tesla MRI machines, 256-slice high-end CT scan machines, PET scan machines, and modular operation theatres to improve disease detection and treatment accuracy. The lack of a dedicated cancer hospital in the state has forced many patients to seek treatment outside Himachal Pradesh, causing financial and logistical burdens. To address this, the government has planned a 150-bed Cancer Care Center in Hamirpur, equipped with radiation therapy and nuclear medicine facilities, marking a significant milestone in cancer treatment within the state.

Healthcare facilities will also be upgraded across 69 government institutions, including zonal, regional, and district hospitals, along with community health centers (CHCs). These facilities will be equipped with automated laboratories, digital X-ray machines, high-end ultrasound machines, ICUs, and operation theatres, ensuring better medical care. The government is also working towards the digitization of healthcare institutions to streamline patient services and enhance efficiency. Data from the health department reveals that around 9.5 lakh patients travel outside Himachal Pradesh annually for medical treatment, leading to an economic loss of ₹1350 crore to the state’s GDP. By improving healthcare infrastructure within the state, an estimated ₹550 crore could be saved annually while providing residents with quality medical care closer to home.

Chief Minister Sukhu has emphasized the urgency of this transformation and has instructed the health department to implement these upgrades in a time-bound manner to ensure that people receive the best possible treatment without having to travel outside the state. With this significant investment, Himachal Pradesh aims to establish itself as a leading healthcare hub, offering advanced medical services and ensuring better health outcomes for its citizens.

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