Garhwal Post Bureau
New Delhi, 29 Jun: In a significant step towards strengthening and modernising healthcare services in Uttarakhand, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of Uttarakhand at Kartavya Bhavan, New Delhi. The agreement is aimed at enhancing diagnostic infrastructure across the state through the provision of advanced medical equipment under the Prime Minister’s fund.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Uttarakhand Government by Health Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey in the presence of senior officials, including Additional Secretary Aradhana Patnaik from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The agreement provides for the allocation of four MRI machines, five digital mammography (DBT) machines and 75 Artificial Intelligence-enabled portable handheld X-ray machines to Uttarakhand.
With the induction of these state-of-the-art medical devices, diagnostic facilities in government hospitals across the state are expected to witness substantial expansion. It was pointed out that the new equipment will significantly assist in timely and quality diagnosis of various diseases and improve overall patient care. In particular, the deployment of AI-enabled portable handheld X-ray machines will prove highly beneficial in mountainous and remote regions of Uttarakhand, where access to advanced diagnostic services has traditionally been limited. These portable machines will enable the patients in far-flung areas to receive improved testing and early treatment closer to their homes, reducing the need for long-distance travel.
The initiative is being viewed as an important milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient and technology-driven. The officials claimed that the availability of MRI and digital mammography machines will further strengthen diagnostic capabilities for critical illnesses, including cancer and other serious conditions, within government healthcare institutions.
National Health Mission Uttarakhand Mission Director Sandeep Tiwari was also present at the time of the signing of the MoU along with other senior officials from both the Central and State Governments.
