Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda at his residence in New Delhi last evening.
The Chief Minister urged for strengthening the health infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and requested an enhanced allocation under the National Health Mission (NHM) for the next financial year. He also sought approval of the Union Minister for the establishing three dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in the state at the earliest, which would significantly improve medical facilities for patients suffering from critical illnesses.
Sukhu requested that the Centre’s share under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme be maintained at 90:10 ratio considering the state’s challenging geographical conditions and urged that annual allocation for Himachal Pradesh under NHM be increased by Rs. 200 crore
Sukhu also briefed the Union Minister about the extensive damage caused by natural disasters in the state this year and the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts being carried out by the State Government. He sought central assistance for infrastructure development and rehabilitation of disaster affected families.
He further urged the Union Health minister to take up the issue of enhancing the State’s borrowing limit by 2 percent with the Union Finance Minister in the larger interest of Himachal Pradesh. He also apprised the Union Minister of the State Government’s continuous efforts to strengthen healthcare services and improve medical infrastructure.
The Union Health Minister assured the Chief Minister of appropriate action on the various requests put forth during the meeting and assured that the demands would be considered on priority. He appreciated the State’s initiative to improve health care services and promised to support his home State in its development endeavours.
