Cong highlights healthcare boost under CM Sukhu’s leadership

The healthcare and medical infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh is witnessing steady progress under the Congress government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who has prioritised the health sector as a key area of development. This was stated by senior Congress leader Dr Pushpinder Verma during a press conference held here on Wednesday.

Dr Verma said the Congress had extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Indian defence forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. He emphasised that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has, from the very beginning, maintained that the party supports every legitimate action of the government aimed at eliminating terrorism.

Focusing on health infrastructure, Dr Verma noted that the CM envisions transforming Himachal Pradesh into a global medical tourism destination. He highlighted the significant improvements in district healthcare, especially with the establishment of a new medical college. He credited the inception of the college to the UPA regime under Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and said the current state government has further accelerated its development by allocating over Rs 120 crore in additional funds to complete the construction of its buildings.

Dr Verma further revealed that the CM has announced plans to set up a dedicated Cancer Research Centre and a Nursing College adjacent to the medical college. In a move aimed at enhancing specialised care, three new departments — nephrology, neurology and gastroenterology — have also been approved for the college.

To ensure better service delivery in public health institutions, the state cabinet has sanctioned more than 118 new posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department. Dr Verma added that the proposed Cancer Research Centre would be established at an estimated cost of Rs 650 crore, marking a significant leap in advanced medical care for the region.

Several Congress leaders, including Tej Nath Tej, Devi Das Shahanshah, Ratan Chand Dogra, Sikandar Kumar, Ranjit Dhiman, Manohar Lal Kanoogo and Captain Vikram, were also present at the press conference.

Himachal Tribune