Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Chandigarh’s MLA Hostel Dispensary has added modern diagnostic and treatment facilities with the installation of medical equipment worth Rs 1.20 crore. Dr Sumita Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana’s Health and Family Welfare Department, inaugurated the equipment on Friday, October 23.
The new facilities include advanced ultrasound imaging, digital radiography, an X-ray machine, physiotherapy equipment and an electrocardiogram (ECG) system. The expansion is expected to help patients access several diagnostic and treatment services at one location, potentially reducing the need for referrals to other healthcare institutions for routine investigations.
According to the state government, the facilities are intended to benefit residents of the Chandigarh tricity, legislators from two states and government employees.
Advanced Ultrasound System Installed At The Dispensary
The largest investment has gone towards an advanced ultrasound colour Doppler system costing Rs 77.15 lakh. The equipment supports 4D imaging, foetal echocardiography and elastography, which can assist in assessing certain conditions affecting the liver, breast and thyroid.
The system also includes software designed to help doctors visualise needle placement during procedures. Its digital storage capacity can accommodate up to one lakh images, while DICOM and HIS/RIS connectivity and artificial intelligence-based features are intended to support diagnostic workflows.
The ultrasound facility could assist in examinations involving pregnancy, the heart and soft tissues, depending on the clinical requirements of individual patients.
Digital X-Ray And New ECG Facility Added
The dispensary has also received a digital radiography system costing Rs 11.01 lakh and a 300 mA X-ray machine worth Rs 7.66 lakh.
These systems can help doctors examine conditions such as fractures, chest-related illnesses and spinal injuries. Digital imaging can also make images available more quickly than conventional film-based methods.
An ECG machine costing Rs 68,320 has been installed as well. It will allow healthcare staff to record the heart’s electrical activity and support the initial assessment of patients reporting chest pain or other symptoms that may require cardiac evaluation.
Physiotherapy Equipment To Support Pain Management
Two new physiotherapy units have been added to expand treatment options at the dispensary. A deep oscillation pulsed electrostatic field therapy unit was purchased for Rs 14.90 lakh, while a shockwave therapy unit cost Rs 8.70 lakh.
These technologies may be used, where clinically appropriate, to support treatment for persistent pain, swelling and mobility-related problems. Their use will depend on the condition being treated and the assessment of healthcare professionals.
More Diagnostic Equipment Planned
Dr Mishra said the current installation represents the first phase of plans to develop the dispensary into a more comprehensive healthcare facility. The government is also processing the purchase of additional medical equipment worth Rs 48.60 lakh.
The proposed additions include five-part and three-part haematology analysers, a semi-automatic urine analyser, a semi-automatic biochemistry analyser, an immunoassay analyser and a bench-top erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) analyser.
A further Rs 2 lakh has been earmarked for equipment required for physiotherapy and dental care.
The planned purchases are expected to broaden the range of blood, urine and biochemical tests available at the facility, alongside additional dental and physiotherapy services.
Dr Mishra said strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to medical services were among the government’s priorities. With the new equipment in operation and further purchases in the pipeline, the dispensary is set to expand the diagnostic and treatment options available to patients.
