Shimla, Feb. 15 -- The Himachal government has allocated approximately Rs.1800 crore to replace obsolete medical machinery and equipment, some of which have been in use for 30 to 40 years in government hospitals, an official statement said on Friday.

Considering the challenges being faced by patients due to old medical machines, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed their replacement to provide better healthcare facilities to them.

Targeting the BJP on the issue, Sukhu said, "As the previous governments failed to address the issue the residents are facing hardships. Delays in treatment often worsen a patient's condition and increase medical expenses."

According to health department data, 9.5 lakh patients travel outside Hi...