New Cancer Care Facilities and Expanded ICU Capacity Unveiled in Mandi

Inauguration of Advanced Medical Facilities

Munish Sood
Mandi

On Saturday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a state-of-the-art ₹23-crore MRI machine at the Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital located in Mandi district. Additionally, he opened a tertiary cancer care center featuring a Linear Accelerator and CT-Simulator, which was established at a cost of ₹2.29 crore, and laid the groundwork for a ₹51-crore PET Scan block at the medical college.

During his visit, the Chief Minister engaged with faculty and students, emphasizing that enhancing the healthcare sector is a top priority for the State Government. He noted that efforts are underway to provide modern medical facilities at all medical colleges, allowing residents to access specialized treatments without needing to travel outside the state.

Sukhu mentioned that advanced automated laboratories are being set up in all medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh. These labs will facilitate multiple tests from a single sample, streamlining the diagnostic process and reducing the need for patients to provide samples multiple times.

Regarding PET Scan services, the Chief Minister highlighted that a PET Scan machine has been installed at IGMC Shimla, with a waiting period of about one month, compared to a four-month wait at AIIMS Delhi.

Furthermore, the government is contemplating sending MBBS students and faculty from state medical colleges on international exposure trips to learn about modern healthcare practices and technologies. Necessary measures will be implemented soon to facilitate this initiative.

Sukhu added that the government aims to enhance at least two or three major departments in each medical college as a priority, with the goal of increasing specialist healthcare capacity and making more treatment options available within Himachal Pradesh.

At Nerchowk Medical College, the Chief Minister noted that 123 nurses are currently employed, with plans to recruit more as needed. He also announced an increase in ICU capacity by 25 to 30 beds to better serve critically ill patients.

Additionally, the State Government plans to add 320 PG seats this year. The introduction of SRship at both Nerchowk and Tanda Medical Colleges will enhance the availability of specialist doctors and expand opportunities in medical education.

Providing sufficient technical and paramedical staff to health institutions is another key focus. In this regard, the State Government has approved 800 positions for technical and paramedical personnel.

Sukhu reiterated that the aim is not just to expand healthcare facilities but to equip them with modern technology, specialist doctors, trained staff, and advanced diagnostic tools, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all residents of Himachal Pradesh.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, former ministers Rangila Ram Rao and Prakash Chaudhary, and other notable figures.