SHIMLA: To strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality and affordable healthcare to the people of Himachal Pradesh, the state government has allocated Rs 193.75 crore for the establishment of two critical care blocks (CCBs) and five district integrated public health laboratories (DIPHLs) across the State.
In a recent cabinet meeting, the government approved the setting up of a 50-bedded CCB at Primary Health Centre in Swahan (Regional Hospital, Bilaspur) and another 50-bedded CCB at the Civil Hospital in Rohru (Shimla district).
These facilities will be equipped with advanced medical infrastructure, including emergency services, intensive care units (ICUs), high dependency units (HDUs), isolation beds, dialysis units, labour rooms, operation theatres and point-of-care laboratories.
Each CCB will be integrated with the existing district hospital and will function as a regular facility under normal conditions. However, during health emergencies or outbreaks such as COVID-19, they can be physically isolated to ensure strict infection control.
Each block will be constructed at a cost of Rs 16.63 crore and equipment cost of Rs 27.12 crore.
In addition, the cabinet has also approved the establishment of District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs) at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba and District Hospital-Hamirpur attached with Dr Radha Krishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur.
These DIPHLs are aimed at improving diagnostic capabilities, enabling rapid testing and supporting effective outbreak management. Each laboratory will be fully equipped with clinical pathology, haematology, cytology, biochemistry and microbiology facilities under one roof to enhance efficiency and avoid resource duplication.
Every DIPHL will have a team of experts comprising of one pathologist, one microbiologist, one biochemist, eleven lab technicians, one data entry operator and two sanitation workers.
The capital cost per DIPHL will be Rs 21.25 crore with an annual recurring cost of Rs 49.05 lakh per unit. Furthermore, the cabinet has also approved the procurement of equipment for the under-construction mother and child hospital wings of Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla; Regional Hospital, Una; and Civil Hospital, Sundernagar.
Sunil Chadha
Other News
Teachers in Trend or Trouble? Himachal Issues Dress Code Advisory – With a National Echo
Himachal govt allocates nearly Rs 200 crore for two critical care blocks, five district-integrated labs
Himachal’s Dalhousie Forest Division launches unique audio campaign to prevent wildfires
‘Nothing unusual’, says defiant Himachal Chief Secretary after asking state to pay his Holi party bill
Himachal ex-minister Bikram demands protection for journalist who ‘exposed’ Chief Secretary’s Holi party at govt’s expense
