The Aryavarth Express
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday directed officials to integrate the maximum number of online facilities into the state’s health services to make healthcare delivery more accessible and citizen-friendly.
Chairing a review meeting with senior officers of the Health Department, National Health Mission and the Directorate of Medical Education, the Chief Minister announced that a committee would be constituted under the chairmanship of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil to implement the initiative. The committee has been asked to submit its report within 10 days.
CM Sukhu said that the introduction of online facilities would not only save time and resources but also ensure the delivery of high-quality health services. He also directed the rollout of an online patient registration system across health institutions and hospitals in the state.
Emphasising the Himcare Scheme, the Chief Minister said its mapping should be extended down to the panchayat level, with patient treatment data also being incorporated. He further instructed officials to integrate the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card with the Him Parivar Portal.
The Chief Minister noted that digital initiatives would enhance transparency and accountability while improving service monitoring, online record maintenance and grievance redressal mechanisms.
“Online health services will support better planning and more effective administration, promote innovation and help achieve the goal of healthy citizens and a strong state,” CM Sukhu said.
He also added that with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the state’s health infrastructure is being strengthened to further improve healthcare services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister (Innovation, Digital Technology and Governance) Gokul Butail, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Health Secretary Priyanka Basu Ingty and other senior officers were present at the meeting.
