Health Minister said that free radiological services would be provided in 118 health institutions of the state.

So far this service is available in 80 health institutes and would be extended to others shortly. These services would be made available by Krsnaa Diagnostics Private Limited, Pune, with whom the state government had signed agreement last year for providing specialised radiology services keeping in view the shortage of radiologists in the state.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the X-ray tele-radiology meet organised by Krsnaa Diagnostics Private Limited, Shimla. He said the X-Ray machines in all the health institutes would be upgraded and computerised for online reporting. He added that these X-ray services are being provided free of cost to the patient suffering from eleven types of aliments including cancer, TB, HIV-AIDS besides to the people belonging to BPL or aged above 60 years, the children aged below 18 years, specially abled with more than 40 per cent disability, all expectant mothers and patients of any epidemic.

The Minister said, almost 70 per cent patients visiting the government hospitals are availing this service free of cost. He said that keeping in view the tough topographical conditions of the state, the government is according top priority to improve health services up to the rural and remote areas so as to facilitate the people to avail quality health care near to their homes. As a result of the efforts of the state government, specialised health services have been made in tribal areas of the state.

Director, Health Services Dr Ajay Gupta, Deputy Managing Director of NHM Dr R K Baria, Chief Medical Officers, Managing Director of Krsnaa Diagnostics Private Limited Pallavi Jain and other senior officers of the health department were present on the occasion.