JICA project aided through loan undertaken by Himachal Govt, not from any grant of Central Govt : Shandil

Responding to the allegations made by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil clarified that the JICA project was being aided through a loan undertaken by the State Government, not from any kind of grant of the Central Government, as being claimed by the BJP Member of Parliament (MP). He said that the BJP MP was misleading the public and attempting to take false credit for the government’s initiatives.

Dr. Shandil stated that the present Government has formulated a comprehensive project to strengthen the health sector, which was being funded through JICA. This project is the result of the persistent efforts of the State Government as the blueprint for this project was prepared nearly two years ago and the funding arrangement through JICA was made at that time. He said that the project was being implemented with the objective of providing better healthcare facilities to the people of the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Health Minister said that in times to come, the State Government would invest Rs. 3000 crore to strengthen all medical colleges, regional hospitals, and other health institutions across Himachal Pradesh.

He added that facilities for robotic surgery have now been introduced at Chamiyana Super Specialities Hospital and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda enabling people to access advanced treatment in the state. “It is surprising that Harsh Mahajan has suddenly remembered to claim credit, despite being unaware of the facts even as a Member of Parliament,” he remarked.

Dr. Shandil said the people of the state are well aware that the condition of health services remained deplorable during the entire regime of BJP government in the so called “Double engine Sarkaar.” The major hospitals were operating with outdated machines and some were even as old as 20 years, forcing patients to seek treatment outside the state. The then BJP government failed to address these issues and was now pointing fingers at the State Government which has taken several initiatives to improve the health sector and provide facilities to the people at their doorsteps.

He emphasized that under Chief Minister’s leadership, state-run hospitals were now offering affordable, accessible and quality healthcare to all. This transformation, he said, was the result of the State Government’s firm resolve and dedicated efforts.