While addressing the 37th Annual Conference of North Zone Orthopedic Association organized by Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that although the Himachal Pradesh was a small State, but still its contribution in the field of Medical is immense. He said that the doctors of the State were providing quality health services to the people in several premier health institutions of the country, which was a matter of pride for the people of the State.Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government would ensure that the Orthopedic department was strengthened so that better health services could be provided to the people. He said that increase in frequency of road accident was a cause of concern and for this Orthopedic Department has to work overtime to provide emergency services to the people. He said that it should be ensured that IGMC should provide best specialist services to the people so that they were not forced to go outside the State for their treatment.The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Conference would go a long way in providing best health services to the people of the State. He said that the suggestions during the conference should be sent to the Government so that necessary action could be taken for improving the health services in Orthopedic field.
He said that the aim of the State Government was to make Himachal Pradesh as the front runner state of the country in Health sector. He said that for this active cooperation of the medical professional was solicited. He said that the State Government would explore the possibility of honouring the doctors from the State doing commendable services in different parts of the country and world. He said that the Government would provide all assistance to equip the department with latest equipments. He also urged the doctors to prepare a vision document for strengthening the health sector which suits the topography of the State.Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that being a hilly State, there were more cases of accidents and thereby more importance has to be accorded for strengthening the Orthopedics department. He said that appropriate place be provided to the Orthopedic Department of IGMC so that the patients do not face any inconvenience for their treatment.Health and Family Welfare Minister Vipin Singh Parmar said that the State Government assumed reins of the State only four months back and since then the State Government was forging ahead on the path of progress and prosperity. He said that although the State was better in health indicators as compared to most of the State in the country, but still lot more needed to be done.
He said that 330 generic medicines were free of cost to the patients in all the health institutions of the State. He said that medical was a noble profession and the doctors should work with missionary zeal to live upto the expectations of the people. He said that all the three new Medical colleges of Chamba, Ner Chowk and Nahan has been given approval by the MCI and recently MCI has also given approval for setting up of Hamirpur Medical College.Head of Department of Orthopedic IGMC Shimla and Organizing Chairman of the Conference Dr. Mukund Lal welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion. He detailed various activities carried out during the Conference. He also urged the Chief Minister for strengthening the Department so that better services could be provided to the patients in the premier health institute of the State.Principal IGMC Shimla Dr. Ravi Sharma, President British Orthopedic Society Dr. Anand Mohan, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid Medical University Dr. Raj Bahadur, President North Zone Orthopedic Association Dr. Ramesh Sen, Secretary of the Association Dr. Harpal Saini and eminent orthopedic surgeons of the region were present on the occasion among others.