SHIMLA: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone of the Rs 45.68 Crore PET Block at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla today.
This includes the Rs. 21 crore Single Positron Emission Tomography (PET) CT machine, Rs. 9 crore for photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) CT machine and Rs. 15.68 crore for civil works.
Chief Minister said the patients of the state had to travel to Chandigarh or Delhi for a PET scan which was very expensive.
He said that PET block will speed up detection of cancer, response and follow-up, besides benefits to cardiology, psychiatry, urology and other departments.
The PET block would be a three-story building with modern amenities for patients, doctors, and paramedical staff besides parking space for about 50 vehicles, he added.
Chief Minister said the government will set up PET scan facilities in all medical colleges within a year.
The government has also allocated Rs. 400 crore for the Center of Excellence for Cancer Care in Dr. Radhakrishnan government medical college Hamirpur.
The government recognizes that the number of cancer patients were increasing in the state and has earmarked funds in the budget for the study of cancer causes.
He said Department of Medical Emergency in all medical colleges so that people do not face any inconvenience in getting prompt treatment.
He said that this department would have one staff nurse per bed in the ICU, one staff nurse per three beds in casualty ward and one doctor for every 10 beds, with duty limited to eight hours.
The government has also allocated Rs. 11 crore to set up a 175-bed medical emergency facility in a trauma center at IGMC Shimla, he added.
Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said the number of cancer patients is increasing and a need is felt to construct PET block at IGMC Shimla to benefit the cancer patients.
The Health Minister urged the people to be vigilant about Covid-19, as cases have been increasing day by day. He emphasized the importance of following Covid appropriate behaviour and creating awareness among people about this virus.