Himachal seeking to boost healthcare through facilities for robotic surgery
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 27 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a transformation in the health sector, as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's vision of providing world-class medical facilities to the people is now becoming a reality, an official release said.
The Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana in Shimla is set to become the first medical institute in the state where surgeries will be performed using the latest robotic technology. A state-of-the-art surgical robot, procured at Rs 28 crore on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, has already arrived at Chamiyana, and the installation process will be completed by July, after which surgeries using this advanced technology will begin.
Principal of the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana, Dr Brij Lal, today here said that robotic surgery would benefit both patients and doctors. He explained that only a very small incision is required in robotic procedures, which means less blood loss and minimal need for transfusions. The patients experience less pain, recover faster and can be discharged from the hospital sooner.
The surgeons, too, will benefit from this technology as robotic systems would provide them better precision and control. They do not feel fatigued even during long surgeries, which allows them to perform more procedures in less time. The system also offers a clear and magnified 3D view inside narrow and complex areas of the body and reduces the chances of any errors, the release said.
Following the directions of the Chief Minister, the robotic surgery equipment will soon be delivered to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda as well.
Thereafter, the machines will be installed in IGMC Shimla, Medical College Hamirpur and other government medical colleges in a phased manner. This will benefit thousands of patients across the state and reduce the need to travel outside Himachal for expensive surgeries, the release said. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
41 minutes ago
- India Gazette
'The India Way Experience' event in Shanghai showcases India's traditional healthcare and holistic healing heritage
Shanghai [China], June 28 (ANI): In a celebration of India's booming traditional healthcare economy, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai hosted a special event titled 'The India Way Experience,' spotlighting Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, and India's holistic healing heritage and innovations, according to a post by India In Shanghai on social media platform X. 'A Global Resurgence. India's booming Traditional Healthcare Economy. A special event celebrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation & India's unparalleled holistic healing heritage and innovations,' the post read. Organised as part of the International Day of Yoga 2025 (#IDY2025), the event also aimed at building a Diaspora Connect and promoting the vision of One Earth, One Health through sustainable and inclusive wellness practices. 'The India Way Experience with a Diaspora Connect for One One Health,' the post added, underscoring India's global leadership in holistic health and traditional medicine. The broader Indian engagement in China this week also included high-level diplomatic and defence dialogues. On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers Meeting. During the meeting, Singh stressed the need for effective border management and a permanent resolution to the boundary issue by revitalising the existing mechanisms between the two countries. During the meeting, the two leaders held 'in-depth discussions' on the need to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Indo-China border. Rajnath Singh acknowledged the work being undertaken by the two nations to bring back a semblance of normalcy in the bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. Rajnath Singh highlighted the necessity of solving complex issues through a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation. He emphasised the need to create good neighbourly conditions to achieve the best mutual benefits and to cooperate for stability in Asia and the world. He called for bridging the trust deficit created after the 2020 Border standoff by taking action on the ground. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated, 'The two Ministers agreed to continue consultations at various levels to achieve progress on issues related to disengagement, de-escalation, border management and eventual delimitation through existing mechanisms.' India and China had reached an agreement in October on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok, two friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The understanding was reached after earlier disengagement in other friction points in eastern Ladakh following meetings at diplomatic and military levels. During the meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Rajnath Singh appreciated the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a gap of five years. He highlighted the important milestone of reaching 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He also briefed his Chinese counterpart on the terrorist attack carried out against innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 and India's Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling the terrorist networks in Pakistan, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. In a post on X, Singh stated, 'Held talks with Admiral Dong Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive and forward-looking exchange of views on issues about bilateral relations. Expressed my happiness at the restarting of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a gap of nearly six years. It is incumbent on both sides to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in the bilateral relationship.' Rajnath Singh gifted a Madhubani painting from Bihar to his Chinese counterpart, General Dong Jun, during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers Meeting in China's Qingdao. This painting has its origins in the Mithila region of Bihar. It is also known as Mithila or Madhubani art. It is characterised by line drawings filled in with bright colours and contrasts or patterns. These paintings are popular because of their tribal motifs and use of bright, earthy colours. (ANI)
India Gazette
41 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Zero-dose children in India declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024: Union Health Ministry
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): The percentage of zero-dose children (Those who have not received a single vaccine) in India has declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry attributed the achievement to continued and sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives and campaigns across the country. These achievements have positioned India as a global exemplar in child health, as acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) in its 2024 report. India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership (American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO) at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, DC, USA on March 6th, 2024, for its committed endeavours, said the ministry. The effect of the increased number of lifesaving vaccines in reducing mortality and morbidity in children due to diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis & encephalitis is also clearly observable. As per the latest SRS (2020-22), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16 to 88/lakh live births in 2020-22. As per the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG 2000-2023) report, the MMR of India stands at 80 per lakh live births, reflecting an 86% decline relative to the global reduction of 48% since 1990. As per the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME 2024 Report), India achieved a 78% decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) surpassing the global reduction of 61% and 70% decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally during 1990 - 2023. In addition to focused attention on increasing vaccination coverage, India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) embodies a comprehensive range of vaccines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Till 2013, there were only six available vaccines in the program. From 2014, six new vaccines (namely Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Adult Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine) have been introduced in the programme. Currently, India's UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has seen significant expansion. With continued focus on improving vaccine coverage, India has taken a proactive and inclusive approach to reach underserved populations. The Govt of India, in consultation with all States/UTs, has launched targeted campaigns to address challenges among zero-dose children, particularly in urban slums, peri-urban areas, migratory populations, hard-to-reach regions, and communities affected by vaccine hesitancy. These efforts are also aligned with the National goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella. 'To amplify our reach, we are leveraging technology and community engagement. The U-WIN platform tracks immunisation status digitally, ensuring no child is missed. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified using mass media, community radio, social media, and even street plays to educate families. Healthcare workers, ASHAs, and ANMs will go door-to-door, not just to vaccinate, but to sensitise the beneficiaries about the benefits of vaccination,' the ministry said in a press release. Some key initiatives include: Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024: Rolled out across 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children. Mission Indradhanush (Since 2014): Intensified in 2017 in collaboration with state governments, it has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women previously unreached or under-vaccinated. Pulse Polio Campaigns: Through National Immunization Days (NIDs) and Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs), India has maintained polio-free status since Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs): Organized regularly for immunization and outreach activities at the community level. Multi-tiered Task Forces: State (STFI), District (DTFI), and Block (BTFI) level task forces ensure coordinated and effective implementation. Regular IEC (Information, Education, Communication) Campaigns: Help increase awareness and combat vaccine hesitancy. The annual birth cohort in India (2.6 crore) exceeds the total population of several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Finland, and Switzerland. Given the varying sizes of the countries across the globe, the percentage comparison shows it at par with the vaccination coverage levels observed in many high-income countries for e.g., New Zealand (DTP-1 93%), Germany & Finland (DPT-3 91%), Sweden (MCV-1 93%), Luxembourg (MCV-2 90%), Ireland (PCV-3 83%), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Rota C 90%). (WUNEIC report 2023). The comparative results of countries on zero dose children as a percentage of the total population shows that Yemen (1.68%), Sudan (1.45%), Angola (1.1%), Afghanistan (1.1%), Nigeria (0.98%), DR Congo (0.82%), Ethiopia (0.72%), Indonesia (0.23%), Pakistan (0.16%) have far more zero dose children as a percentage of their population compared to India's (0.11% during 2023 as per the last Wuneic report released. Any comparison of India with any other countries with high burden zero-dose children needs to take into consideration India's large population size and high vaccination coverage rate. Therefore, any interpretation or analysis based on isolated factors does not lend credence to the country's progress on its immunisation program, said the ministry. The Universal immunisation program has always been prioritised by the Government of India to ensure that the children of our country are protected against deadly diseases. Elimination of Polio in 2014 and Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus in 2015, and the recent launch of the Measles Rubella campaign in 2025 is a testament to the fact. With focused strategies and committed healthcare workers, the endeavour will always be last-mile delivery to ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage. Vaccination remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions. India's unwavering commitment to immunization is evident through its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides free vaccination services annually to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants (0-1 year). (ANI)
India Gazette
41 minutes ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi interacts with Group Captain Shukla, first Indian to reach International Space Station
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). The Axiom-4 Mission , carrying Group Captain Shukla and three other crew members , docked with the ISS on June 26. 'PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station,' PMO said in a post on X. Group Captain Shukla is the second Indian to go into space and is serving as the Mission Pilot. Earlier, following the successful launch of the Axiom 4 mission, PM Modi had stated that Group Captain Shukla is carrying the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!' PM Modi had said in a post on X. Group Captain Shukla had described the launch as 'magical' and reflected on his journey. 'I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts - what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical,' he said. He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a 'collective achievement'. 'I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment - it belongs to all of us,' he added. Axiom 4 mission aboard the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the ISS on Thursday, ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. The Ax-4 crew was welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team at the ISS and took part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the crew for the Axiom 4 mission. After his arrival at the ISS, Group Captain Shukla called it a 'privilege' to become the 634th human in space and the first Indian to enter the ISS, saying the experience of seeing Earth from such a vantage point was 'wonderful.' After receiving his official astronaut pin from Ax-4 Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Shukla said, 'I am no 634, that's a privilege.' 'To be fair, it is a privilege to be amongst the few who have got the chance to see the Earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now. It has been a wonderful ride. I was looking forward to coming to space--it is something to look forward. But the moment I entered the ISS, I felt welcomed. You (Expedition 73 crew) guys literally opened up your doors like your house doors for us, that was fantastic. The expectations I had were surpassed, so thank you so much; this was fantastic. I am confident the next 14 days are going to be amazing doing science and research,' said Shukla in his 'arrival remarks' after entering the ISS. 'I have a small message for my countrymen: It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station. It may look easy to stand here, but it is not; my head is aching. However, we will get used to it. We will be here for 14 days, conducting scientific experiments and speaking with you. This is a milestone for India. Let's make this journey exciting and let everyone participate with interest,' Group Captain Shukla said. 'The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me. I believe the next 14 days are going to be truly interesting,' he added. The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. Group Captain Shukla will conduct experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). (ANI)
