CM inaugurates cancer hospital building at IGMC
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly constructed five-storey tertiary cancer hospital building at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. Built at a cost of Rs 13.50 crore, the facility aims to enhance cancer treatment capabilities in the state. Its bed capacity has also been increased from 20 to 65.
The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to offering world-class cancer treatment by adopting the latest medical technologies.
He said the IGMC would soon be equipped with advanced radiation therapy systems, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy.
He said the state government had allocated Rs 20 crore for a PET scan machine to be installed at the IGMC, which would aid in the early detection cancer.
Besides, a CT simulator machine, worth Rs 7.77 crore, has already been installed, while its commissioning was in progress. A LINAC machine, which cost Rs 24 crore, was being set up and expected to be operational by January 25, 2025.
“Cancer can be curable if the patient gets the right treatment at the right time. To enhance cancer care, a centre of excellence is being established in Hamirpur district. Additionally, a state-level committee of leading cancer specialists has been formed to offer guidance on the latest treatment technologies and improve care,” he added.
The CM stated that the current state government was strengthening the healthcare sector through the ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ initiative.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of cancer cases in the state, stating that after the North-East, Himachal Pradesh had the highest incidence of cancer. He said the government was working diligently to provide the best healthcare services to the cancer patients.
Sukhu criticised the previous BJP-ruled state government for neglecting the healthcare infrastructure, leading to its deterioration.
He claimed that the present government was improving the infrastructure and recruiting doctors and paramedical staff to meet the global standards for doctor-patient and nurse-patient ratio. He stated that within the next year, the IGMC at Shimla and the Tanda Medical College would become top medical institutions. Besides, infrastructure improvements have also been planned for other medical colleges in the state.
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, former MLA Bumber Thakur, Secretary Health M Sudha Devi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
