Shimla, August 27
Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said the state government is steadily working towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and providing better medical facilities to people across the state.
Speaking as the chief guest at a free health check-up camp organised at Dudhalti Panchayat Ghar in the Tutu development block of Shimla district, Singh said the government was making significant investments in modern medical machinery and equipment for hospitals.
The camp was jointly organised by Lions Club Shimla and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital, Shimla. Chief Medical Officer Shimla Dr Yashpal Ranta and Senior Medical Superintendent of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital Dr Lokendra Sharma were present as special guests.
Singh said around Rs 3,000 crore was being spent on medical machinery and equipment to ensure that people have access to modern healthcare facilities. He said robotic surgery at Chamyana Hospital was now being made available at an affordable cost of around Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, compared to more than Rs 5 lakh charged by some private hospitals.
The minister said the process of filling vacant posts of doctors, paramedical staff and technicians in government hospitals was underway. He also announced that the state government was preparing to introduce a health insurance scheme offering coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for poor and needy families.
Referring to the development of the Tutu region, Singh said the Banuti area was emerging as an important centre of the development block, with several development projects currently under progress. He said various welfare policies and schemes of the state government were benefiting local residents while efforts were underway to connect the area with modern facilities.
250 Patients Receive Free Health Check-Ups
Around 250 people underwent free health examinations during the camp. Free medicines were distributed to patients, while complimentary blood tests were also conducted.
A team of specialist doctors from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital examined patients. The medical team included specialists in ophthalmology, medicine, orthopaedics, gynaecology, surgery and dermatology.
Singh appreciated the efforts of the organisers and the medical professionals, saying such free health camps should be organised regularly to increase awareness about diseases and encourage people to remain alert about their health.
He said the state government stood with NGOs working for the welfare and service of common people and would provide all possible support to such organisations.
The Public Works Minister also presented mementoes to the specialist doctors in appreciation of their services. Lions Club Shimla office-bearers welcomed him with a traditional Himachali cap, shawl and memento.
Among those present were Dudhalti Gram Panchayat Pradhan Neelam, Deputy Pradhan and Block Congress President Devender Thakur, BDO Tutu Brijesh, Lions Club Shimla President O.P. Mehta, Vice-President C.L. Sankhyan, Secretary Dalip Sharma, Treasurer Prof K.C. Sharma, local leader Manmohan Verma and Zone Chairperson Gopal Krishna Vaid, along with club members, public representatives and local residents.
