In a landmark move to modernize healthcare delivery, the Himachal Pradesh Government has sanctioned ₹193.75 crore for the creation of two 50-bed Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and five District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs). This investment is part of a broader plan to transform diagnostic and emergency medical services in the state.

Two New Critical Care Units for Bilaspur and Rohru
The two new Critical Care Blocks will be developed at Regional Hospital Bilaspur (Swahan) and Civil Hospital Rohru in Shimla district. Each facility will be equipped with intensive care units, high-dependency units, isolation wards, emergency rooms, operation theatres, labour rooms, and dialysis services. Construction has been allocated ₹16.63 crore per site, with an additional ₹27.12 crore earmarked for medical equipment, ensuring these units meet national-level critical care standards.

District Labs to Power End-to-End Diagnostics
The five District Integrated Public Health Laboratories will provide integrated diagnostic services under one roof, including biochemistry, clinical pathology, microbiology, cytology, and haematology. These labs are set to be established in Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, and District Hospital Hamirpur, among others. Each lab will be staffed with a full team of specialists including a pathologist, microbiologist, biochemist, and 11 trained technicians. The capital cost for each DIPHL is estimated at ₹21.25 crore, with annual recurring costs of nearly ₹49 lakh.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Healthcare Access
Currently, over 9.5 lakh residents of Himachal Pradesh travel out of state every year for diagnostics and treatment, resulting in an estimated economic loss of ₹1,350 crore annually. The new infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce this outflow by ensuring advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities within the state itself.

CM Sukhu’s Vision for a Healthier Himachal
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of this initiative as part of his broader vision to bring quality healthcare to every corner of Himachal. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, improving diagnostic efficiency, and equipping public hospitals with the tools needed to offer comprehensive care.

Additional Investments on the Horizon
Beyond this allocation, the Himachal government has also approved approximately ₹1,800 crore for upgrading outdated medical equipment across public hospitals and medical colleges. This includes procurement of advanced technologies such as 3-Tesla MRIs, PET scanners, 256-slice CT machines, and robotic surgical platforms. Furthermore, ₹1,570 crore has been earmarked for a healthcare overhaul that includes digitizing 69 health institutions and establishing a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Centre of Excellence in Hamirpur.

A Strategic Leap for Public Health
These investments underscore Himachal Pradesh’s strategic shift toward preventive, diagnostic, and emergency care. By strengthening grassroots healthcare capabilities and reducing reliance on metro cities, the state is setting a precedent for decentralized, resilient, and patient-first public health infrastructure in India.