The Himachal Pradesh Health Department has issued directives to expedite tenders and ensure full transparency in the purchase of medical equipment, aiming to equip state-run hospitals with modern diagnostic and treatment machines.
Glimpse:
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil chaired a high-power committee meeting in Shimla, instructing officials to fast-track tenders and procurement of machines such as CT scans, ultrasound and lab equipment. He emphasised a transparent process, comparable to standards at premier institutions, to reduce dependence on outside state services.
In a decisive move to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure, the Himachal Pradesh Health & Family Welfare Department has instructed the Directorate and other involved agencies to accelerate the procurement of critical medical machinery. At a meeting convened by the Health Minister, officials were told to issue tenders immediately and implement processes that ensure transparent, cost-effective purchase and proper installation of equipment across district hospitals and medical colleges.
The directive includes specifications for diagnostic machines such as CT scanners, X-rays, ultrasound devices, and phaco machines for ophthalmology departments. The minister emphasised that technical specifications should align with those of leading institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) to ensure quality and longevity of investments.
The push is part of the state’s broader commitment to upgrade health infrastructure, reduce patient outflow to other states and provide advanced care locally. The minister also highlighted that budget constraints will not hamper the machine-procurement drive. Installation of the new equipment is expected to reduce dependency on external facilities and strengthen district-level care.
“High-quality healthcare must reach every corner of our hills and for that, our machines must be modern and the purchase process crystal-clear.”
By
HB Team
