Budget ‘futuristic and development centric’ caters to all sections of society: Dr Shandil
Health, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil termed the budget as “futuristic and development centric” while appreciating Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for presenting a budget that caters to all sections of society. He said that the second budget of the government was set to accelerate the pace of Vyavastha Parivartan in the state and help in achieving the targets of making Himachal a Green Energy state by 31 March, 2026.
Reacting to budget estimates, the Health Minister said that budget is an inclusive and innovative budget. Commending the Chief Minister for his vision, the Health Minister said that this budget is a budget for building the future of the state. This budget will strengthen the foundation of self reliant Himachal 2032, he said.
The government is appreciative of the role played by para-workers in successful implementation of different schemes in the state, said the Minister, lauding the decision to increase the honorarium of various para-workers, including Anganwari Workers, Asha Workers, Mid-Day Meal Workers, Multi-purpose Workers, Panchayat Workers, Jal Rakshaks, Silai Teachers, SMC Teachers and IT Teachers among others.
The decision to increase the daily wage was yet another significant step as it greatly benefits a large section of our working population, said the Minister.
Speaking about the announcements made for the Health sector, Dr. Shandil said that futuristic and development centric bold decisions have been taken to ensure speedy delivery of medical services at the doorsteps to the people of the state.
He said that the decision to establish ‘State Cancer Institute’ in Dr. Radhakrishnan Medical College, Hamirpur, ‘Cancer Day Care Centres’ in district hospitals and Adarsh Swasthya Kendras, and setting up of Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine at IGMC, Shimla, for advanced radiotherapy treatment was a commendable step given the rising number of cancer patients in the state.
Health Minister said that Hospital Management Information Service (HMIS) will be established in 53 health institutions of the state in the first phase. With this, patients will be able to get better treatment on the basis of their medical history.
The Minister added that setting up an ‘Integrated Public Health Lab’ in every district with state-of-the-art test facilities available at one place would save time and money, and cut short travel to far off places, hugely benefitting the patients.
