3 Tesla MRI machine to be set up in Chamba Medical College: CM

· Will relax norms to strengthen faculty of Chamba Medical college: CM

· Considering sending doctors on exposure visits abroad: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his visit to Chamba, interacted with the faculty members and students of Chamba Medical College today, during which they shared their suggestions for further strengthening healthcare services in the region.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government would relax the norms, wherever required, to strengthen the faculty of Chamba Medical College. He announced that the college would be equipped with a new X-ray machine, laparoscopic equipment, CT scan machine and a 3-Tesla MRI machine with advanced technology on the lines of AIIMS, New Delhi.

The Chief Minister directed to submit a proposal for setting up 20 ICU beds at the medical college at the earliest so that further necessary action could be initiated by the government. He said that once the faculty strength of the college was completed, the government would explore the possibility of introducing robotic surgery facilities at the institution.

He further announced that 40 staff nurses would be deployed at Chamba Medical College within the next 10 days. In addition, radiographers and other technical staff would also be appointed to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government was also considering sending doctors on exposure visits abroad and was in the process of formulating a policy in this regard. “Such visits would enable doctors to learn advanced medical practices and technologies from other countries and bring back the best practices to Himachal Pradesh,” he added.

He said that improving healthcare infrastructure and services remained a key priority of the State Government and around Rs. 3,000 crore was being spent on healthcare infrastructure. He said that better healthcare facilities would not only benefit the people of Himachal Pradesh but would also help promote health tourism in the State.

The Chief Minister said that he had earlier held similar interaction sessions with faculty and students at IGMC Shimla, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Government Medical College Nahan, AIMSS Chamiyana, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College Nerchowk. The suggestions received during these interactions were being incorporated into the State Government’s policy-making process, he added. He said that concerted efforts were being made to address the existing shortcomings and the government aimed to ensure better healthcare facilities in all medical colleges of the State by the end of this year.

The Chief Minister further said that the State Government has already established a Cardiology Department at Chamba Medical College. Besides, 23 posts of Senior Residents (SRs) and 28 posts for Post-Graduates (PGs) have been sanctioned, which would further strengthen healthcare services at the institution. He said that Rs 18.98 Cr has been released for the construction of SR hostel in Chamba. He said that the government had also enhanced the stipend of PGs and SRs and separated the cadres of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME).

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, MLAs Neeraj Nayar, Hardeep Singh Bawa and D.S. Thakur, former minister Asha Kumari, APMC Chamba Chairman Lalit Thakur, Congress leaders Yashwant Khanna and district Congress president Surjit Bharmouri, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal, SP Vijay Kumar Saklani, College Principal Dr. Pankaj Gupta and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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HP SHIVA Project facilitating expansion of horticulture in Himachal Pradesh

3,500 farmers and orchardists to benefit across 4,000 hectares

Horticulture is one of the key pillars of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. Owing to the State Government’s visionary policies and the progressive adoption of modern practices by farmers and orchardists, the sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. The government has adopted a farmer-centric approach to strengthen horticulture through scientific cultivation methods, modern infrastructure, climate-resilient technologies and improved market access. Over the past three years, the Department of Horticulture has implemented several major initiatives aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes, enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable horticultural practices across the state.

To promote diversification and expansion in horticulture, nearly 870 hectares of additional area has been brought under orchards, hybrid vegetables and spice cultivation under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, benefiting around 300 farmers and orchardists.

In addition, seven frontline demonstration plots have been established to showcase the cultivation of high-value fruit crops such as avocado, blueberry and dragon fruit.

Under the HP SHIVA Project, approximately 4,000 hectares of land is being brought under high-density orchards, which will benefit nearly 3,500 farmers and orchardists.

Recognizing the importance of protected cultivation, the State Government has expanded greenhouse farming. During the past three years, under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission and the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Development Scheme, an investment of around Rs. 16 crore has enabled the development of nearly 1.89 lakh square metres of area under polyhouses, benefiting approximately 900 farmers and orchardists.

This initiative has enabled farmers to cultivate high-value vegetables and flowers throughout the year, resulting in significant improvements in productivity and income.

The State Government has also given high priority to protecting orchards from weather-related damage. Over the last three years, nearly 1,000 hectares have been covered under anti-hail nets, with financial assistance of around Rs. 44 crore provided to 6,454 farmers. These measures have significantly reduced crop losses caused by hailstorms and adverse weather, ensuring greater income security for orchardists.

Under various horticulture development schemes, around 12,739 farmers have received subsidies to purchase power tillers, power sprayers and other farm machinery, supported by an investment of approximately Rs. 39 crore. The use of modern farm equipment has reduced dependence on manual labour while improving operational efficiency in orchards.

During the past three years, the Department of Horticulture has also established 53 mushroom production and compost-making units with an investment of approximately Rs. 4.24 crore. These units have created additional income opportunities for farmers, orchardists and rural entrepreneurs.

The State Government has also focused on strengthening post-harvest management and value-addition infrastructure. With an investment of around Rs. 11.44 crore, the private sector has established four cold rooms, two cold storage units, two grading lines and two food processing units. These facilities are helping reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and enhance market competitiveness.

Efficient water management remains one of the Government’s top priorities. Under the “Per Drop, More Crop” scheme, nearly 2,000 hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation systems, benefiting 2,185 farmers through an investment of around Rs. 10.70 crore. These water-efficient technologies are promoting sustainable horticulture and enhancing resilience to climate change.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh is committed to making horticulture more profitable, sustainable and competitive by providing farmers and orchardists with modern technology, quality planting material, scientific advisory services, robust marketing systems and essential infrastructure. As a result of the Government’s farmer-centric policies and visionary initiatives, the horticulture sector in the state is reaching new heights, leading to a substantial increase in the incomes of farmers and orchardists.