Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated a modern, technology-driven Metro Surveillance Unit at Baluganj in Shimla, constructed at a cost of ₹1.56 crore.
The newly established unit is designed to strengthen urban public health systems and play a key role in the timely detection and control of infectious diseases.
The Chief Minister stated that the unit will function as an early warning system, capable of immediately activating during any health emergency or disease outbreak. It will analyze the situation in real time and alert concerned hospitals and departments for swift response.
He added that such units have been established in only 20 cities across the country, and Himachal Pradesh has become the first hilly state to have this advanced facility.
The Metro Surveillance Unit has been set up under a tripartite agreement between the National Health Mission, National Centre for Disease Control, and the Shimla Municipal Corporation. Its primary objective is to make Shimla a safer and more responsive city in terms of public health management.
The unit will assist in issuing health alerts, verifying outbreaks, and collecting and analyzing samples related to waterborne, foodborne, vector-borne, and zoonotic diseases. It will also enhance coordination between different departments to strengthen disease control mechanisms in the city.
After the inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected the operational area and laboratory of the unit.
On this occasion, MLA Harish Janartha, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Usha Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Municipal Commissioner Bhupendra Atri, and other officials were present.
