Latest news with #HarshMahajan
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Rs 117-cr projects approved to improve infrastructure of 75 villages in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla: The Union govt has prioritised 75 villages in Himachal Pradesh along the China border under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II. A total of 113 projects worth Rs 117 crore have been approved to improve infrastructure and livelihoods in these areas. In response to a question by Himachal MP Harsh Mahajan, the Union minister of state for home affairs, Nityanand Rai , informed the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session on Wednesday that these projects include multipurpose community halls, sewage treatment plants, internal roads, solar street lights, skill development, and tourism infrastructure. The central govt approved Vibrant Villages Programme-I, as a centrally sponsored scheme, on Feb 15, 2023, for the comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks abutting the northern border in 19 districts in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and UT of Ladakh. Placements Under Kaushal Vikas Yojana A total of 1.76 lakh youth have been trained under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) since its inception in 2015 till June 2025 in Himachal Pradesh, and out of these, 27,185 youth have got placement. The information was shared by the Union minister of state for skill development and entrepreneurship, Jayat Chaudhary, in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday in response to a question by Himachal MP Indu Bala Goswami. The Union ministry has been implementing this flagship scheme since 2015. Under this scheme, skill training is imparted through short-term training and re-skilling and up-skilling through recognition of prior learning to youth across the country. Out of the total 27,185 youth, the highest number of 5,073 youth got placement in Kangra district, followed by 4,222 in Sirmaur, and 3,957 in Solan. MSID:: 122861267 413 |
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First Post
20-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
AI-powered MRI scanner launched in Delhi to enhance diagnostic precision
As India steps into the era of AI-driven diagnostics, the question is no longer whether AI will be part of healthcare but how quickly, safely and fairly it can be integrated. The launch of the Excel 3T MRI is a promising start, but experts believe that the road ahead will require not just smarter machines but smarter policies, wider access and deeper human-AI collaboration. read more With artificial intelligence reshaping industries globally, healthcare in India is now seeing its own AI-driven turning point—this time in the radiology room as Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated India's 'first ultra-fast AI-powered MRI scanner', the Excel 3T at Mahajan Imaging's new diagnostic centre in Dwarka that will not only offers high-end MRI but integrates advanced laboratory testing and genetic diagnostics. The Excel 3T MRI system, integrated with artificial intelligence to optimise speed, clarity and patient experience is capable of slashing scan times by nearly half and delivering sharper imaging using AI-based reconstruction and real-time correction algorithms. With specialisation in cardiac, neuro and musculoskeletal imaging, it is positioned to meet growing demand for precision-led diagnostics in urban India, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The newly installed Excel 3T MRI scanner is powered by artificial intelligence systems that significantly improve imaging resolution while reducing scan time. Cardiac MRI scans, which traditionally took over an hour can now be completed in 30–40 minutes, thanks to real-time motion correction, compressed sensing algorithms and AI-guided image reconstruction. These features not only improve efficiency but also enhance the patient experience, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with claustrophobia. 'AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it's now a practical clinical tool,' said Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman of Mahajan Imaging & Labs. 'Our goal is to introduce a new model for diagnostics, where cutting-edge AI supports better diagnosis while the patient remains at the centre of care.' Beyond comfort, the AI-integrated system enhances diagnostic confidence, he said, adding that by reducing artefacts and improving signal-to-noise ratios by up to 50%, the system delivers crisper, more accurate images. 'This is particularly crucial in cardiac MRI, where early detection of subtle functional or structural abnormalities can alter treatment outcomes dramatically. Meeting India's growing diagnostic burden India's health system is under increasing pressure from a rising tide of NCDs. According to the World Health Organisation, 63% of all deaths in India are caused by non-communicable diseases, with 27% due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) alone. Alarmingly, CVD accounts for 45% of deaths among those aged 40 to 69, and Indians experience heart disease nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Despite this, access to high-quality diagnostic tools remains unequal. That's where AI-enhanced systems hold promise. 'In high-burden countries like India, where clinical manpower is limited and diagnostic delays are common, AI can support faster image interpretation, automate repetitive tasks and reduce error rates,' said a Delhi-based preventive cardiology expert. Moreover, AI's potential to triage large volumes of data, flag anomalies and assist radiologists in identifying patterns offers a practical solution to India's stretched healthcare workforce. A model for the future? The Delhi government is keen to encourage more public-private partnerships in advanced healthcare. Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said: 'The rise of NCDs, especially cardiac disease, is alarming. We are ensuring that all residents of Delhi have access to affordable diagnostics. I urge more providers to come forward and contribute to this transformation.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, most AI tools in Indian diagnostics are developed by private vendors and deployed in premium urban centres, leaving public hospitals and rural clinics far behind. For AI's benefits to be equitably distributed, experts say India needs robust regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards and capacity building among healthcare workers. Technology with empathy The Dwarka centre reflects more than just technological advancement. Its patient-centric design includes natural light, calming interiors, and sustainable infrastructure like energy-efficient systems and water reuse mechanisms. Dr. Mahajan emphasised that the goal was to deliver not just clinical precision but emotional comfort—a departure from the cold, clinical atmosphere often associated with diagnostic centres. 'We want to continue to be at the forefront of quality focused Integrated Diagnostics in Delhi NCR and North India. We hope to play a bigger role in preventive health for Non-Communicable Diseases, and will introduce dedicated facilities that marry Genomics, Lab medicine and high- end Radiology,' said Kabir Mahajan, Chief Operating Officer, Mahajan Imaging & Labs.
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Himachal: BJP demands wider CBI probe into Vimal Negi death case, says more scandals involving CM office will surface
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 28 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday demanded a broader CBI investigation into the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, a Chief Engineer with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). The party alleged that the case involves corruption and administrative failure, with possible links to the Chief Minister's Office. 'There's clear evidence of administrative failure, corruption, and attempts to suppress facts -- the CBI investigation must expand to all angles, including the CM's office,' said Harsh Mahajan, BJP MP. While speaking with ANI in Shimla, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan claimed that the government has tried to hide facts and divert the investigation. He pointed out that the orders from the court are shocking and demanded that the CBI probe be expanded to cover all aspects, including fake solar projects. He said that the party has raised several serious issues before the state Governor, including alleged tampering of evidence, administrative failure, and deliberate attempts to mislead the investigation in the Vimal Negi death case. Mahajan warned that 'a series of corruption scandals' connected to state-run power projects will come to light soon, implicating top officials. 'This entire episode has exposed multiple failures from the administration to the police,' said Harsh Mahajan. 'The orders that have come from the court are shocking. We've demanded that the CBI investigation be widened to cover every aspect, including fake solar projects like the Pekhuwala Project and the Songtong Hydro Power Project. A Chief Engineer-level officer died, and instead of taking it seriously, the government tried to hide facts and divert the investigation. This reeks of high-level involvement and the results of a deeper probe will be revealing,' he said. Mahajan pointed out that the officer who submitted the report in the case was the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Omkar Sharma, a highly regarded and honest officer in Himachal Pradesh. 'He was no ordinary officer. The people of Himachal know the character of Omkar Sharma. But even he was harassed. Allegations were levelled against senior officers, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. Even the previous DGP and the SP have been accused. That's why expanding the scope of the CBI inquiry is essential,' Mahajan emphasised. Mahajan accused the Chief Minister's Office of orchestrating a cover-up and warned that more corruption scandals will surface soon. He also claimed that the administrative and financial systems in Himachal Pradesh have collapsed, and the government has lost the moral authority to stay in power. 'Administrative and financial systems have collapsed. The poor and even the middle class are suffering. The public sentiment is clear people want to get rid of this government. If you look at everything that has happened, this government has lost the moral authority to stay in power even for a single day,' he said. He also claimed that government officials were being shielded including the Shimla SP, who was sent on 'medical leave' and suggested this was done to protect them from scrutiny. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma stated that all BJP MLAs and MPs have submitted a memorandum to the Governor demanding a full, impartial investigation into Vimal Negi's death. Sharma emphasised that the case involves money laundering and possible misuse of public funds in power projects. 'This is not just a case of murder. It involves money laundering and possible misuse of public funds in power projects. Every aspect must be investigated fairly. The Feku solar project, which was overlooked, must also be probed,' Sharma said. He raised questions about the role of Shimla's Superintendent of Police, who went on leave after series of incidents . 'We have informed the Governor of this. He has assured us the matter will be referred to the Honourable Union Home Minister. This is a very serious issue involving a senior officer, and even the High Court has taken cognizance of it,' Sharma stated. The BJP leader further noted that there have been attempts to hide evidence and added that while the party would cooperate with the legal process, the public must be told the truth. 'In such a situation, the only solution is to hand over the entire investigation to a central agency. We are confident that an impartial inquiry will uncover the facts. The manner in which reports are surfacing, it's clear the instructions were coming directly from the Chief Minister's office,' Sharma alleged. Calling the situation 'unprecedented,' Sharma said governance in Himachal Pradesh had deteriorated to a dangerous level. 'We haven't seen such a serious political crisis in Himachal Pradesh before. Law and order has broken down. Officials are acting without accountability. Governance has taken a backseat. This is unfortunate for the state. Future governments will find it difficult to bring Himachal back on track,' he said. The BJP leaders have called for the resignation of the Chief Minister, asserting that no fair investigation is possible under the current regime. They warned that more instances of corruption will be exposed in the coming days, reinforcing their demand for a thorough probe that includes the financial dealings and executive decisions of the Chief Minister's office. (ANI)
India Today
07-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Spot cancer sooner: North India's first AI-powered scanner launched
For better cancer diagnostics in India, a new PET-CT scanner using artificial intelligence (AI) capable of detecting tumours as small as 1.4 millimetres has been introduced in Gurugram. The 128 Slice Digital PET-CT scanner, called Omni Legend and developed by GE HealthCare, has been installed at Mahajan Imaging & Labs in Gurugram, a centre known for advanced diagnostics and medical imaging. The device is the first of its kind in North India. It uses advanced digital detector technology combined with artificial intelligence to deliver sharper images at a much faster speed. Most importantly, it does so with up to 60% less radiation exposure than traditional PET-CT models, making the process safer for patients. The 128 Slice Digital PET-CT scanner, known as Omni Legend and developed by GE HealthCare, has been installed at Mahajan Imaging's facility and is the first of its kind in north India.(Photo: Mahajan Imaging & Labs) The scanner was inaugurated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who highlighted the urgent need for early cancer detection in India. "More than 70% of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages. With tools like this, we have a better chance to detect cancer earlier and save more lives," he said. Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and The Lancet show that nearly two-thirds of cancer patients in India die after diagnosis, largely due to late detection. Experts believe that early diagnosis enabled by such technology could improve survival rates. The Gurugram facility also integrates a full-service pathology lab alongside the digital PET-CT unit, allowing for comprehensive diagnosis under one roof. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, founder of Mahajan Imaging, said the goal was to offer doctors everything they need for fast, accurate decision-making. The scanner was inaugurated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who highlighted the urgent need for early cancer detection in India. (Photo: Mahajan Imaging & Labs) "By combining this scanner with full lab support, we are trying to ensure that patients get the right diagnosis at the right time," he said. Kabir Mahajan, chief operating officer at Mahajan Imaging, said the new scanner would also support ongoing research. "We're in talks with pharmaceutical companies to use this technology to track the effectiveness of new cancer treatments," he said, adding that Mahajan Imaging has introduced several advanced machines across its centres over the past year. The launch comes as India prepares to face an increase in cancer cases, with ICMR projecting more than 1.5 million new cases annually by 2025. The government is also ramping up its efforts, with plans to open 200 Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals and recent moves to remove import duties on 36 life-saving cancer drugs. Advanced diagnostic tools like the Omni Legend scanner could help reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses in the country.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New pet-ct scan machine and pathology lab for Delhi-NCR
The Mahajan Imaging and Labs on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomograph (PET-CT) scan machine and a pathology lab in Gurugram aimed at enhanced integrated cancer care and pathology services across Delhi NCR. Officials said the 128 Slice Digital PET-CT-Omni Legend machine is north India's first and is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). It has the spatial resolution of 1.4mm, enabling early cancer detection and accurate staging. The machine's features include an advanced digital detector, precision deep learning (DL), AI-based lesion identification, and 60% lower radiation exposure. Further, the system ensures safer and faster scans while delivering high resolution images, said Mahajan Imaging in a statement. 'The launch of our new 128 Slice Digital PET-CT scanner in Gurugram marks a major leap forward in delivering technology-driven cancer diagnostics. With next-generation digital PET-CT scanners, AI-powered imaging, and integrated pathology support, we are empowering clinicians with the precision tools needed for early, accurate detection and better treatment outcomes. Our commitment is to continually raise the bar in oncology care through innovation,' Dr Harsh Mahajan, founder and chairman of Mahajan Imaging, said. Early detection in cancer remains critical, as at least 70% of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages,experts said, largely due to lack of awareness and organised screening programmes, leading to high mortality rates. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research and data published in The Lancet, the mortality ratio for cancer in India was 64.47% in 2022, indicating that nearly two out of three cancer patients succumbed to the disease after diagnosis. 'As someone who has served both in the medical field and public service, I understand the pivotal role that early and accurate diagnosis plays in the battle against cancer. The introduction of advanced digital PET-CT technology in north India marks more than a technological achievement—it is a beacon of hope for countless families. It exemplifies how we are leveraging innovation with empathy to build a healthier, more equitable future for our citizens,' Union minister of state for science and technology, Jitendra Singh, said. Singh was the chief guest at the launch event. The minister added, 'The central government recognises the cancer burden and has taken measures to ensure access to cancer care by setting up 200 day care cancer centres in district hospitals this year besides full customs duty exemption on 36 diseases which are rare and chronic.'
