The Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated a State-of-the-Art 3 Tesla MRI machine installed at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, at a cost of approximately Rs. 23 crore. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the outdated MRI machine, which had been in operation at IGMC for nearly 20 years has now been replaced with this advanced high-end equipment.
He noted that similar 3 Tesla MRI technology is being used at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He emphasized that the State Government was committed to ushering in systemic transformation and is equipping medical institutions with cutting-edge technology to strengthen healthcare services.
He further said that on the lines of AIIMS, New Delhi, high-end medical technologies were being introduced in Government Medical Colleges at Tanda, Shimla, Hamirpur, Nerchowk and the upcoming medical facility at Chamiyana. With the installation of the 3 Tesla MRI machine, patients will no longer need to travel outside the state for advanced diagnostic procedures, thereby saving both time and money.
The Chief Minister remarked that the previous BJP government had failed to give due attention to financial management and had neglected the health sector, resulting in a lack of advanced medical infrastructure in the state’s healthcare institutions. He added that the present government is investing over Rs. 3000 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh.
Interacting with medical specialists at IGMC, the Chief Minister announced that the Orthopaedics Department would be upgraded to meet world-class standards. He informed that the process to commence robotic orthopedic and spine surgeries at IGMC has already been initiated. In addition, advanced ICUs dedicated to Medicine, Pediatrics, and Respiratory diseases will soon be established at the institution, he remarked.
He also directed that exposure tours be organized for specialists from all Government Medical Colleges in the state to leading medical institutions in India and abroad to enhance their expertise and keep them abreast of the latest advancements in medical science. The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of various ongoing developmental works at IGMC and instructed officials to ensure their timely completion.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Health Ashwani Sharma, Director Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Principal IGMC Dr. Sita Thakur, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri, Additional Director IGMC Neeraj Gupta, Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao along with other senior medical experts and officers were present on the occasion.