First Phase to Cover Major Medical Colleges and Regional Hospitals; Patients Will No Longer Need to Travel Outside the State for Tests
S Gopal Puri
Shimla: In a major push to modernize Himachal Pradesh’s public healthcare system, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has approved a massive investment of ₹213.75 crore to upgrade diagnostic infrastructure across government hospitals. The move aims to ensure accurate and timely detection of diseases, enabling faster treatment and reducing patients’ dependence on private labs or out-of-state medical facilities.
Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, the State Health Department has drawn up a comprehensive plan to replace decades-old diagnostic equipment in medical colleges and major hospitals. The initiative, to be rolled out in phases, will see the installation of state-of-the-art MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography, and digital radiography units over the next six to eighteen months.
Where the Investment Goes: Key Equipment and Facilities
Under this ambitious modernization plan, government medical institutions across the state will receive the following upgrades:
MRI Machines: Five high-resolution MRI scanners worth ₹95 crore are being procured for IGMC Shimla, Tanda, Nerchowk, Nahan, Chamba Medical College, and Chamyana Hospital.
CT Imaging Systems: Fourteen advanced CT scan machines (two each for seven medical colleges) are being installed at a cost of ₹28 crore.
Digital Radiography Units: ₹8.75 crore will be spent on 35 digital radiography systems, while another ₹14 crore will fund 14 ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines to ensure quick and accurate imaging.
Ultrasound & Mammography Units: Seven medical colleges will receive modern ultrasound imaging systems and seven digital mammography units at a combined cost of ₹14 crore.
Imaging Archive & Retrieval Technology (IAR): ₹40 crore will be invested in establishing advanced imaging archive and retrieval systems at seven medical colleges and Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla, ensuring easy access and digital storage of reports.
Direct Benefits to the Public
The project will significantly reduce patients’ dependence on private diagnostic centers and expensive city hospitals.
Chief Minister Sukhu, who himself has undergone medical treatment in the past, said he personally understands the emotional and financial pain of patients and their families.
“My goal is clear — no citizen of Himachal should have to travel outside the state for expensive medical tests or treatment. This ₹213.75 crore investment is not just about machines; it is a guarantee of timely and accurate diagnosis for our people,” said CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
With these installations, Himachal’s patients will now get faster diagnosis, immediate treatment initiation, and relief from the burden of paying hefty sums at private hospitals in Chandigarh, Delhi, or other states.
Better Healthcare, Stronger System
With modern diagnostic tools in place, doctors in medical colleges, zonal, and regional hospitals will be able to deliver more precise and timely treatment.
CM Sukhu’s vision extends beyond equipment — it includes filling vacant posts of doctors, paramedics, and technicians, and providing specialized training for staff to operate the new systems efficiently.
Diseases That Will Benefit from Modern Diagnosis
The new diagnostic systems are expected to bring a revolutionary improvement in the early detection and treatment of several critical diseases:
- Cancer: Digital Mammography will help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. High-resolution MRI and CT will pinpoint the location and spread of tumors. Imaging Archive Systems* will help track treatment progress during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Brain and Spinal Disorders: MRI is the gold standard for detecting brain and spinal cord issues like stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and chronic headaches. Advanced CT scans will enable faster detection of head injuries and brain hemorrhage during emergencies.
- Severe Trauma and Injuries: High-speed CT and DR systems will help identify internal bleeding, fractures, and multi-organ injuries — life-saving for accident victims in trauma centers like IGMC Shimla, Tanda, and Chamyana.
- Cardiac and Vascular Diseases: CT Angiography will allow non-invasive detection of blockages in the heart and lung arteries.
- Abdominal and Digestive Disorders: Ultrasound and CT imaging will improve diagnosis of liver diseases, kidney stones, gallbladder issues, appendicitis, and pancreatic disorders.
