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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ministers slam BJP for insulting national flag and senior minister
1 2 Shimla: Himachal Pradesh health minister Dhani Ram Shandil and agriculture minister Chander Kumar on Sunday slammed the BJP , accusing it of "insulting not just a senior minister of the state government, Jagat Singh Negi, but also the national flag, the symbol of India's pride and honour". In a joint statement, the ministers strongly condemned the July 25 incident involving Negi in Thunag area of Seraj assembly constituency. They alleged that BJP workers, "acting under the instructions of their leaders, threw shoes, slippers, and black cloth on the national flag mounted on minister Negi's car -- a highly shameful and condemnable act." "The Tricolour is a symbol of our nation's identity and countless brave soldiers and great leaders sacrificed their lives for its honour. But the way the BJP workers insulted our national flag reveals their true face to the public," the ministers said. They added that the people of the state now understand that BJP's 'Tiranga Yatras' were merely a show and that the party has no genuine respect for the national flag. The ministers, both veterans in public life, stated that they had been in politics for over five decades but had never witnessed such a low level of political conduct. They said the state government had decided to temporarily shift the Forestry College from Thunag to ensure students' safety, but BJP leaders were turning the issue into a political controversy and risking students' safety for political mileage. They also said that the revenue minister had visited Seraj and other parts of Mandi district affected by recent disasters to assess the damage suffered by farmers and horticulturists and to prepare a suitable relief package. "Farmers in Mandi suffered heavy losses in apple orchards and polyhouses used for floriculture. The revenue minister was going to present a detailed report in the cabinet," they added.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab health dept to complete procurement of health equipment by end of August: Health minister Balbir Singh
1 2 Shimla: The state health department will complete the procurement of CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, phaco machines, and other equipment by the end of August, health and family welfare minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil (retd) said on Wednesday. Medical colleges, Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans, and other health institutions will soon be equipped with modern-day machines to ensure quality healthcare services, the minister added. Chairing a special high-power purchase committee meeting, Shandil said the govt had decided that quality items would be added to the baby care kits, and a total of 18 items would be provided to the babies born in govt and private institutions in the state. The process for procurement of these kits is in the final stage and will be available in hospitals from next month, he said. Emphasising that the state govt has ensured an adequate budget for the purchase of healthcare machinery, the minister directed the purchase committee to fast-track the procurement process to ensure that in future all the purchases were completed as early as possible. The govt is also ensuring complete transparency and accountability in the entire procurement process, Shandil added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Compare Spreads: Bitcoin vs Ethereum CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo The health minister said earlier the people of Himachal Pradesh had to visit neighbouring states in search of better healthcare. We had qualified and specialist doctors as well as the staff, but our medical equipment was outdated, he pointed out. "Once the purchases are finalised, the state-run medical institutions will offer equal and even better health services at the doorstep for its people," said Shandil. A total of 69 Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans, one in every assembly constituency and two in the tribal Lahaul and Spiti district, have been made functional. Every sansthan has six specialist doctors, and with the procurement of the modern-day machines, these institutions will serve as a model of healthcare for other states to follow, he added.
United News of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
CM flags off e-scooters to boost HIV and health outreach in Himachal
Shimla, 25 June (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 12 e-scooters from his official residence, Oak Over, here. These scooters, provided to the Health Department through the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, will be deployed across eight districts of the state to strengthen doorstep medical services. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Himachal aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services—such as medicine distribution, screening, and counseling—to patients suffering from HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Tuberculosis (TB), and Hepatitis. The programme seeks to improve treatment adherence and support viral load suppression among patients, ultimately enabling them to lead healthier, longer lives. Commending the initiative, the Chief Minister said, 'Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions, and NGOs have played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free is our shared responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters will further strengthen our outreach and support mechanisms,' he said. He further said that over 6,000 people in the state are currently living with HIV, most of whom have achieved viral load suppression—a reflection of the government's sustained efforts and effective policies. The Chief Minister also emphasised that the promotion of electric vehicles in the state is aligned with the government's commitment to environmental conservation, and the deployment of e-scooters for health services is a step forward in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil added that the State AIDS Control Society is actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs in universities, colleges, and industrial training institutes across the state. "The Adolescent Education Programme is also being implemented in schools. Additionally, the Department of Youth Services and Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan are collaborating to spread awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth," he said. UNI XC SSP
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Himachal makes masks mandatory in hospitals
Stepping up vigil after an 82-year-old woman tested positive for Covid in Nahan, the Himachal Pradesh health department on Wednesday made it compulsory to wear masks in all hospital premises. Health minister Dhani Ram Shandil said, 'There is just one case. There is no need to panic.' Indira Gandhi Medical College's deputy medical superintendent Dr Praveen Bhatia said the institution was fully prepared and a close watch was being kept on the situation. 'As of now, there is no advisory regarding random testing. People will be tested for Covid only after seeing symptoms. Though testing kits are short in number as some have expired, we will raise this issue in case we witness a surge in cases,' he said. Bhatia said, 'The hospital also has 150 oxygen-equipped beds ready. The old trauma centre, having 100-bed capacity, is vacant, which can immediately be put to use in case of surge. We have a shortage of staff nurses. This issue has already been raised with higher authorities.' He further said that an advisory had been issued to the staff, including security, to ensure there is no crowding, and physical distancing is maintained besides wearing masks in the hospital. Only one attendant will be allowed with a patient. At Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College & Hospital, Nerchowk (Mandi), deputy medical superintendent Dr Rakesh Mohan said the institution was prepared to handle any emergency situation. 'The makeshift Covid hospital set up during the pandemic is still functional, and staff have been deputed accordingly. Most of the ventilators are operational. For those requiring repairs, we have called in a technical team to ensure they are functional. If the situation demands, we are ready to scale up the facilities,' he said. The college currently has two oxygen generation plants — one with a capacity of 500 litres per minute (LPM) and another with 1,000 LPM. Officials said the 500 LPM plant is operational, while the 1,000 LPM unit is facing some technical issues which are being addressed. An official from the hospital also raised concerns regarding staffing. 'The government had cancelled the contracts of ward attendants and sanitation staff deployed during the Covid-19 period. With a potential rise in patient load, additional manpower may be required. The government should consider providing supplementary staff,' the official said. At Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda (Kangra), principal Dr Milap Sharma said the institution is fully equipped to handle any emerging situation. 'Patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) will be segregated and those testing positive for Covid-19 will be isolated. So far, we have not recorded a significant number of such cases,' he said. 'We have 85 fully functional ventilators. Additionally, the college is equipped with a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) medical oxygen generation plant and a 15 KL liquid oxygen cryogenic facility, both of which are operational,' he added. The 82-year-old Covid patient had arrived at the Nahan Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday morning, complaining of cold and cough, and subsequently tested positive. She was advised hospitalisation but she refused so hospital authorities urged her to go for home isolation.
News18
04-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Himachal Ends Free OPD Registration In Hospitals, Fee To Be Charged From June 5
Last Updated: The Himachal govt says the move aims to improve healthcare services and generate resources. Official orders regarding the new charges were issued on June 3 In a significant decision, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh has announced that from June 5, all government health institutions across the state will charge a fee for OPD slips. Patients will now be required to pay Rs 10 for registration slips. The Secretary of the Health Department has issued a notification to this effect. Additionally, 133 different tests conducted in hospitals will no longer be free, with the government deciding to impose fixed fees for these tests. However, exceptions have been made for 14 categories of people, including cancer and kidney patients, pregnant women, elderly people over 60, TB patients, Divyang (differently abled), mentally ill, jail inmates, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) beneficiaries, patients covered under the free medicine scheme, disaster victims, HIV-positive patients, children in child reform homes, and residents of old age homes and orphanages. The Himachal Pradesh government has asserted that this move aims to enhance health services and secure resources. Official orders were issued on June 3. In the order issued by the Health Secretary, it has been stated that, based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, a decision has been taken to allow the collection of user charges to strengthen and improve the services provided by the Rogi Kalyan Samitis. These services include hygiene, cleanliness, and the maintenance of infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, it has been decided that a consultation fee of Rs 10 will be charged from all patients at the time of registration at the hospital. Previously, government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh did not charge for prescriptions, and registration was free. However, facing a severe financial crisis, the state government has had to cut back on many free services. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil noted that people often do not keep their prescriptions safely, which has led the government to implement the new fee. First Published: June 04, 2025, 10:56 IST
