Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday chaired a meeting of the health department and said the state government is considering Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) for medical officers (specialists).
He said the government remains committed to providing world-class health services to patients in the state. Several steps have already been taken in this direction and positive results are visible. Strengthening all medical colleges in the state is a priority, and vacant posts in health institutions are being filled in a phased manner.
Noting the rise in cancer cases, the Chief Minister said the government will spend Rs 800 crore to strengthen cancer care institutes across the state. He also directed the formation of an expert committee to prepare a future action plan for strengthening these institutes.
The process of purchasing advanced machines and equipment on the lines of AIIMS Delhi is underway. This will further improve diagnosis and treatment facilities for patients in the state.
Sukhu said the government is planning exposure visits for medical students and faculty to prestigious world-class health institutes abroad. The aim is to acquaint them with modern treatment methods and current practices in health services. Similar exposure visits are already being arranged for meritorious students of schools and technical institutes. Such educational tours help students learn international work styles and improve their skills.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is also planning to move ahead with new treatment technologies such as gene and molecular therapy.
Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Nardev Kanwar, Health Secretary Ashish Singhal and other senior officers attended the meeting. Principals of the state’s government medical colleges joined virtually.
