Champawat, June 29
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a state‑of‑art MRI machine in Champawat, marking a historic milestone in healthcare for the border region. He announced health projects worth over ₹40 crore, emphasizing that a “Healthy Uttarakhand” is the foundation of a strong, self‑reliant, and developed state.
The MRI machine, installed at a cost of nearly ₹6 crore under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with support from ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, will provide advanced diagnostic facilities locally. This will benefit not only Champawat but also neighboring districts like Pithoragarh, Almora, and Nainital, sparing patients the need to travel to distant cities for complex tests.
Dhami recalled past hardships when patients had to go to Haldwani or other big cities for MRI scans, causing delays, financial strain, and distress. Now, critical conditions such as brain, spine, nerve, joint, cancer, and stroke diagnoses will be available locally, ensuring timely treatment and saving lives. He highlighted ongoing projects which includes a modern 50‑bed Critical Care Block at Champawat District Hospital costing about ₹20 crore, a diagnostic wing and advanced operation theaters worth ₹11.71 crore under construction, a Primary Health Centre at Amodi costing ₹2.18 crore, a 129‑bed hostel at the Integrated Nursing Institute built for ₹470.05 lakh to strengthen nursing education and plans for a new paramedical college to provide opportunities for local youth. The Chief Minister reiterated that no family should face financial barriers to healthcare. Through Ayushman Bharat and Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana, lakhs of families are receiving free, cashless treatment. He urged citizens to join in building a strong Uttarakhand where every individual has access to modern healthcare and a healthy life, affirming that a healthy citizenry is the key to a prosperous and developed state.