At the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, a newly built five-story tertiary cancer hospital building was officially opened on October 8, 2024 by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh. At ₹13.50 crore, the hospital intends to dramatically improve the state’s cancer treatment capacities. It can accommodate 65 beds, up from the previous 20. It is anticipated that this expansion would address the rising cancer incidence in the area and enhance care for cancer patients.
Sukhu underlined at the inauguration the state government’s dedication to implementing cutting-edge medical technology to deliver top-notch cancer treatment. He declared that the most advanced radiation therapy systems, such as Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), would soon be available at the IGMC. A ₹7.77 crore CT simulator has already been installed, and commissioning is in underway. In addition, a ₹24 crore Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine is now under construction and is scheduled to be operational by January 25, 2025. The clinic will be better equipped to provide comprehensive cancer treatment choices thanks to this equipment.
Alongside these developments, Sukhu declared a ₹20 crore budget to establish a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan machine at IGMC Shimla, which will help diagnose cancer at an early stage. Declaring, “Cancer is curable when the right treatment is provided at the right time,” he emphasized the significance of prompt treatment. A state-level committee including eminent cancer specialists has been formed to oversee the adoption of cutting-edge treatment technology, and a center of excellence is being established in the Hamirpur area to further enhance cancer care in the state.
Speaking about the growing number of cancer cases in Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu pointed out that the state has the second-highest cancer incidence in India, behind the North-East. He declared that his government was committed to enhancing cancer sufferers’ access to healthcare and attacked the previous BJP government for failing to invest in health facilities. He talked about the “Vyavastha Parivartan” initiative’s goals to fortify the healthcare industry. These objectives include hiring more doctors and nurses and improving infrastructure to guarantee a proper doctor-patient and nurse-patient ratio.
In conclusion, the opening of the new cancer hospital facility at IGMC Shimla, which has more space and cutting-edge technology to better serve patients in the region, represents a major advancement in the quality of cancer care in Himachal Pradesh.
SOURCE :
ECONOMIC TIMES
