Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a review meeting of the Health Department here today, said that the State Government was making continuous efforts to strengthen healthcare services and improve facilities in government health institutions. The Chief Minister said that from April onwards, the process of procuring world-class, technology-enabled medical equipment would be initiated in health institutions across the state, involving an expenditure of about Rs. 3,000 crore. He added that the government was strengthening diagnostic services and addressing the shortage of paramedical staff and doctors to facilitate the patients. The recruitment process to fill vacant posts in health institutions was underway and additional posts would be created as per requirement.
Sukhu said that PET scan and robotic surgery facilities would soon be started at IGMC Shimla as well. He said that robotic surgery services have already been made available for patients at Super Specialty Hospital Chamiyana and Dr. RPGMC Tanda. He further added that the State Government was strengthening ‘Aadarsh Swasthya Sansthan’ to ensure better healthcare services to the patients at their doorsteps.
The Chief Minister directed that a training and leave reserve quota of 300 doctors would be created in the Department of Health Services to ensure that healthcare services were not hampered due to vacancies arising from doctors proceeding on PG courses and that such vacancies can be promptly filled. He also directed that smaller batches be formed for medical students and no class should have more than 60 students. The State Government would assist in constructing new lecture theatres to ensure quality education in medical colleges. He also emphasized up-gradation of facilities in all medical colleges.
He reiterated that strengthening healthcare infrastructure was a priority of the State Government and that modern equipment would significantly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. He said that the focus was to provide quality health services in all regions of the state, especially in remote and rural areas, so that patients, do not have to travel far for advanced medical care. The Government was working with a clear roadmap to ensure that every health institution is equipped with better facilities, adequate manpower and improved diagnostic services.
He said that the measures being taken would not only enhance patient care but also improve the working environment for doctors and healthcare staff. He stressed that the Health Department should ensure timely implementation of all initiatives so that the benefits reach the public at the earliest. Improving medical education and ensuring sufficient infrastructure in colleges was equally important for producing skilled doctors and strengthening the healthcare system in the long term, he remarked.
Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Ashwani Kumar, Director AYUSH Nipun Jindal, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
