Expresses gratitude to Chief Minister for installation of new MRI machine
Shimla: MLA Harish Janartha has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the installation of a state-of-the-art 3 Tesla MRI machine at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. He termed the development a historic and transformative step towards strengthening and modernising the healthcare system in Himachal Pradesh.
Janartha said that IGMC had been operating with an outdated MRI machine for nearly two decades despite rapid advancements in medical technology. The installation of the 3 Tesla MRI machine fulfils a long-pending demand and will significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. With enhanced imaging capabilities, doctors will be able to detect complex and subtle medical conditions with greater precision, leading to better treatment outcomes.
He noted that similar advanced technology is being used at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and added that patients from Himachal Pradesh will no longer need to travel outside the state for specialised diagnostic services. This, he said, will save both time and financial resources while ensuring timely medical intervention.
The MLA also thanked the Chief Minister for strengthening diagnostic facilities at IGMC Shimla and Chamiyana Hospital through the installation of high-resolution MRI machines as part of the ₹95 crore procurement of five MRI units across the state. Additionally, advanced ultrasound imaging machines and modern digital X-ray systems are being installed under a ₹14 crore allocation for ultrasound equipment and ₹14 crore for ceiling-suspended DR X-ray machines.
He further informed that eight Imaging Archive and Retrieval Technology systems worth ₹40 crore are being installed across seven medical colleges and Kamla Nehru Hospital. These investments, he said, will significantly strengthen early and accurate diagnosis and ensure timely treatment for patients.
Janartha also appreciated the establishment of an L-1 Trauma Centre at IGMC Shimla at a cost of ₹30.90 crore, which will enhance emergency medical services across the state.
Highlighting steps taken to boost healthcare infrastructure, he said the state government has increased remuneration for essential technical staff such as radiographers and X-ray technicians. Approval has also been granted for the recruitment of 200 medical officers, 38 assistant professors in various super-specialty departments, and 400 staff nurses as job trainees to improve efficiency in medical colleges and hospitals.
He termed the expansion of super-specialty services at Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS) Chamyana, along with the development of bone marrow transplant infrastructure and smart laboratories, as highly commendable. He described the introduction of robotic surgery facilities as a landmark achievement for the state.
Robotic surgery services have already commenced at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities, Chamyana, and at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. He added that such services will soon begin at IGMC Shimla as well, further strengthening advanced healthcare access within the state.
The government has also initiated the upgradation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Shimla district with the required specialist staff to ensure quality treatment closer to people’s homes.
Janartha said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards world-class healthcare standards. He expressed gratitude for these initiatives, stating that they are ushering in a new era of accessible, modern and high-quality healthcare for the people of the state.
