CM Sukhu inaugurates AI-powered MRI facility, announces Rs 125 crore for new laboratories

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Shimla, July 11

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated an AI-based 3-Tesla MRI machine at the Atal Super Speciality Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) Chamiyana in  Shimla on Saturday, stating that the state government is modernising healthcare services through advanced medical technology and improved infrastructure.

The Chief Minister said the installation of the new MRI facility would enable patients across the state to receive accurate diagnoses for serious illnesses without traveling to private laboratories or outside Himachal Pradesh. Compared with conventional 1.5-Tesla MRI systems, the new machine offers significantly higher imaging quality for the brain, spine, heart and nervous system while also reducing scanning time.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector, Sukhu said healthcare, education and the rural economy had been placed at the top of the government’s priorities from the beginning of its tenure. He said the state was replacing decades-old medical infrastructure with modern technology across leading medical institutions.

According to the Chief Minister, AI-enabled 3-Tesla MRI machines are being installed at AIMS Chamiyana, Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Tanda Medical College, Mandi Medical College and Hamirpur Medical College. He said the machines have built-in artificial intelligence technology comparable to facilities available at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Sukhu further said advanced robotic surgery services have already been introduced at Chamiyana, IGMC, Tanda and Nerchowk. He stated that procedures costing up to Rs 5 lakh in private hospitals are being offered in government hospitals for around Rs 50,000, with a government subsidy of Rs 65,000 per operation.

The Chief Minister also announced that world-class automated testing laboratories would be established in various medical colleges over the next three months at an estimated cost of Rs 125 crore. He said the laboratories would minimise human intervention, improve diagnostic accuracy and make medical tests more affordable for patients.

He added that although reforms in the healthcare sector would take time to show full results, the state was expected to witness a transformative change in medical technology and healthcare delivery over the next five years. The government is also filling vacancies for doctors and assistant professors in areas where shortages have been identified.

Addressing the recent spell of heavy rainfall, Sukhu said the state had suffered considerable loss of life and property, particularly in Kinnaur, Kullu and other vulnerable areas where multiple landslides had occurred.

He said the Chief Secretary had been directed to remain in continuous contact with all Deputy Commissioners to monitor the situation and coordinate relief measures. A major disaster management meeting will be convened next week to review the ground situation and accelerate relief operations.

The Chief Minister also welcomed tourists to Himachal Pradesh and Shimla, encouraging them to enjoy the region’s scenic weather while urging them to avoid visiting riverbanks and streams and to exercise caution throughout their journey.