Garhwal Post Bureau
Champawat, 29 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated an advanced MRI machine at Champawat today, marking a historic milestone in healthcare services for the border region. The machine, installed at a cost of nearly Rs 6 crores under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with support from ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, is expected to provide timely and accurate diagnosis to thousands of patients in Champawat and the adjoining districts.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhami asserted that a healthy Uttarakhand is the foundation of a strong, self-reliant and developed state. He claimed that the government’s priority is not only to build hospitals but also to equip them with modern medical technology, quality services and trained manpower. He observed that the new MRI facility will benefit the patients from Champawat, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital and other border areas, sparing them the hardship of travelling to distant cities for complex investigations.
Recalling past difficulties, he said that serious patients earlier had to go to Haldwani or other big cities for MRI tests, which caused delays, financial burden and mental distress. Now, advanced diagnosis for brain, spine, nerves, joints, cancer and stroke will be available locally, ensuring timely treatment and saving precious lives.
The CM added that the government is building a robust health infrastructure keeping future needs in mind. In Champawat constituency, a 50-bed modern critical care block is being constructed at the district hospital at a cost of Rs 20 crores. Alongside, work worth Rs 11.71 crores is underway to build parking facilities, a diagnostic wing and modern operation theatres, which will further strengthen healthcare services once completed. A primary health centre at Amodi costing Rs 2.18 crores is already providing quality medical care to local residents.
Dhami also shared that a 129-bed hostel has been completed at the Integrated Nursing Institute at a cost of Rs 470.05 lakhs, giving a major boost to nursing education. Steps are also being taken to establish a new paramedical college in Champawat, which will open opportunities for local youth and provide skilled paramedical staff to the state.
Dhami added that financial constraints should never obstruct treatment for any family. Through Ayushman Bharat and Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand schemes, lakhs of families are receiving free and cashless healthcare. The transformation in Champawat’s health facilities reflects the government’s commitment to Antyodaya, placing citizens’ lives, health and trust at the centre of governance.
Dhami urged the citizens to join in building a strong Uttarakhand where every individual has access to modern healthcare and a healthy life.
Among those present on the occasion were District Panchayat Chairman Anand Singh Adhikari, Municipal Chairman Prema Pandey, Block Pramukh Champawat Anchala Bohra, BJP District President Govind Singh Samant, MLA representative Champawat Prakash Tiwari, Tanakpur’s Deepak Rajwar, BJP State Minister Nirmal Mahara and others.
