Robotic surgery available at Himachal government hospitals for Rs 30,000-80,000: Kewal Pathania

Dharamshala, Oct 25 : Robotic surgery is now available at select government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh at a cost ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000, compared to Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in private hospitals, Deputy Chief Whip of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kewal Singh Pathania said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference in Dharamshala, Pathania highlighted the state government's initiatives to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and provide affordable medical services. He said the government had accorded priority to modernising health facilities and replacing outdated medical equipment after assuming office.

He said Rs 1,000 crore was allocated in the first Cabinet meeting to replace old machinery in six major health institutions across the state. Modern equipment, including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound and X-ray machines, was being installed under the initiative.

Pathania also said the proportion of filled doctor posts against sanctioned positions had increased from around 30 per cent to 70 per cent during the government's tenure.

Highlighting the introduction of robotic surgery in the state, he said the advanced facility was currently available at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Nerchowk Medical College and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana.

While the procedure costs approximately Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in private hospitals, patients can access the same facility at government institutions for Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000, he added.

He further said the state government was developing 70 model health institutions across Himachal Pradesh. Each institution would focus on providing the services of six specialist doctors, 134 types of laboratory tests, modern medical equipment and adequate paramedical staff.

Pathania said the government was committed to modernising healthcare infrastructure, strengthening diagnostic facilities and expanding specialist medical services to ensure accessible, affordable and quality treatment for people within the state.

Congress spokesperson Puneet Malli, Dharamshala Block Congress president Harbhajan Singh, Shahpur Block Congress leader Sudesh Pataku, Hotel Association president Rahul Dhiman and Dharamshala College Old Students Association representative Sanjeev Gandhi were also present at the press conference.