Himachal Govt U-Turn: 133 Tests To Stay Free In Hospitals, But OPD Fees Will Stay
The government said the changes aim to balance public sentiment with the need to maintain hospital infrastructure through improved cleanliness, equipment and services
In Himachal Pradesh, the government has backtracked on its earlier decision to charge patients for 133 types of diagnostic tests and X-ray services in government hospitals. This decision, initially communicated on May 3, was reversed on the evening of May 4 following a significant public outcry and criticism on social media.
The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government had initially issued a notification to impose fees for these tests. The earlier notification included a provision to charge fees from 14 categories of patients, including those with serious illnesses and those undergoing regular treatment. However, the widespread backlash prompted the government to retract the notification, although an official order to withdraw it has yet to be issued.
The Health Department has now informed the Director of Medical Education, Director of Health Services, and the Mission Director of the National Health Mission about the revised decision. The government has clarified that all 133 types of diagnostic tests and X-ray services will remain free as before.
Despite this reversal, the government has maintained the decision to charge a Rs 10 fee for OPD slips. This fee is collected by the Rogi Kalyan Samiti to support cleanliness, maintenance of equipment, and the strengthening of health services in hospitals.
Opposition leader Jairam Thakur criticised the government, calling it one driven by debt and taxes. He said his administration had launched the Himcare scheme, which provided Rs 5 lakh worth of free health services. 'The Sukhu government is a government of fees. We had made health services free under Himcare, and now they are charging even for getting a prescription at the hospital," he said.
First Published:
June 05, 2025, 15:42 IST
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