High-end technology to be installed in medical colleges within 8 months
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday launched the state-level HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, and announced major upgrades in healthcare infrastructure across the state.
He said that within the next 90 days, around 65,000 girls aged 14 years would be administered the HPV vaccine free of cost. The Chief Minister appealed to parents, Panchayat representatives and health workers to ensure the success of the campaign by spreading awareness.
Expressing concern over the rising number of cancer cases, Sukhu said the government was giving special priority to strengthening cancer care and early diagnosis. He announced that a state-of-the-art cancer hospital would be constructed in Hamirpur at a cost of ₹300 crore to provide affordable treatment within the state.
The Chief Minister said that within eight months, world-class equipment and advanced medical technology would be installed in IGMC and all medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh. Over the next three years, modern facilities on the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) would also be developed in zonal hospitals, model health institutions, Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres. Around ₹3,000 crore would be spent on installing high-end medical equipment.
He added that a modern 3 Tesla MRI machine has recently been installed at IGMC, replacing a 19-year-old machine. Robotic surgery facilities would also be introduced in all five government medical colleges. After facilities at AIMSS Chamiyana and Tanda Medical College, robotic surgery services would begin at IGMC from March 10.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said the HPV vaccine would be included in the routine immunization programme and administered under medical supervision. He added that significant reforms have been undertaken in the health sector, including filling posts of doctors, nurses and technical staff, and that the investment in high-end equipment would strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
