Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that the state government will extend full cooperation for the expansion and strengthening of AIIMS Bilaspur and help develop it into a premier healthcare institution so that it can serve the people of Himachal Pradesh more effectively.
During his one-day visit to Bilaspur district, the Chief Minister visited AIIMS and held discussions with faculty members regarding healthcare services and other related issues.
He said the state government was making every possible effort to strengthen its medical colleges and provide world-class healthcare facilities by December this year, ensuring that patients do not have to travel outside the state for advanced medical treatment.
Sukhu said several reforms were being undertaken in the health sector to improve medical services for the people. To attract doctors and retain specialised medical professionals, the government was offering better salaries and perks. He also said the norms for designating doctors as professors were being relaxed.
The Chief Minister said diagnostic facilities were being strengthened across the state. Three-Tesla MRI machines had been installed at IGMC Shimla and AIIMS Chamiyana, while 1.5-Tesla MRI machines were being installed at regional hospitals in Bilaspur, Kullu, Una and Solan; District Hospital Kinnaur; Dr Y.S. Parmar Government Medical College and Hospital, Nahan; Zonal Hospital Dharamshala; and Civil Hospital Palampur.
He said the state government had also set a target of increasing postgraduate medical seats by 330, which would help improve the availability of specialised healthcare services in the state.
Sukhu further said the state government had initiated work in the areas of gene therapy and phototherapy and was holding discussions with doctors in the United States for further collaboration and expertise.
Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, former minister Ram Lal Thakur, former MLA Tilak Raj, AIIMS Executive Director Lieutenant General Dr Daljit Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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