The government today said that it has taken "concrete steps" to strengthen public health infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, including sanctioning of an AIIMS and a tertiary cancer care centre.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda said that his ministry also has recently sanctioned the opening of a Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) wellness centre in Shimla which has been a long-pending demand.
"Union Health Ministry has been committed to strengthening the public health infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and has taken concrete steps towards this end," Nadda said.
He said that the process of procurement of medical equipment worth Rs 32.78 cr for the Tanda Medical College is underway and the procurement process will be completed shortly.
The Health Minister said that he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed Ministry officials to expedite the process.
"A tertiary cancer care centre worth Rs 45 cr has been sanctioned in IGMC, Shimla. In addition, an AIIMS has been approved for the state. Further process for that is underway to make it operational soon.
"The Health Ministry has also released the first installment for upgrading of district hospitals into two medical colleges in Nahan and Hamirpur," Nadda said.
Elaborating about the CGHS Wellness Centre, Nadda said that his ministry had approved one for Shimla in December 2014 and it is waiting for an appropriate site and building space which the state government has to provide.
Nadda said that the interests of the state in providing additional infrastructure to boost its health delivery systems have always been taken care of.
"The ministry has recently approved a level-2 trauma centre for Tanda Medical College and a level-3 trauma centre for Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla and Chamba.
"A level-1 trauma facility for Shimla has been proposed by the state government. This is under positive consideration by the Centre," the Minister added.
