Himachal govt working on gene therapy, phototherapy, in talks with US doctors, says CM Sukhu

The Himachal Pradesh government has initiated work in the areas of gene therapy and phototherapy and is holding discussions with doctors in the United States to explore collaboration and expertise in these advanced medical fields, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Wednesday, August 12.

Sukhu said the state government was making every possible effort to strengthen its medical colleges and provide world-class healthcare facilities across the state by December this year, with the aim of ensuring that patients do not have to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced medical treatment.

During his one-day visit to Bilaspur district, the chief minister visited AIIMS Bilaspur and held discussions with its faculty on healthcare services and other related issues, according to a statement issued here.

Sukhu further said that "the state government had initiated work in the areas of gene therapy and phototherapy and was holding discussions with doctors in the United States for further collaboration and expertise".

Several reforms were being undertaken in the health sector to ensure better medical services to the people.

To attract doctors and retain specialised medical professionals, the government was providing better salaries and perks, Sukhu said, adding that norms for designating doctors as professors were also being relaxed.

The state government has also set a target of increasing postgraduate medical seats by 320, which would help improve the availability of specialised healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)