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Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Sukhu govt turning patients into source of income: LoP Jairam Thakur
Shimla: Former chief minister and LoP Jairam Thakur Tuesday accused the state govt of turning patients into a source of income, and seeking ways to impose fees instead of providing them free treatment under the Himcare scheme. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Thakur alleged that as it is residents were not getting free treatment under Himcare due to govt's failures, and on top of that, the govt was planning to increase the charges for meals provided to patients at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) here. "Besides, there is also a plan to charge a separate admission fee when a patient is admitted to IGMC. It will not be limited to IGMC, but will gradually be implemented throughout the state," he claimed. "Ever since the Congress govt came to power, the healthcare system in the state has deteriorated. Health facilities, health schemes, free medicines, free tests, and free treatment under Himcare and Ayushman have all failed due to the govt's incompetence," Thakur alleged, adding that the companies and institutions supplying medicines and materials to hospitals have been pleading the govt to release their pending payments.
News18
05-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Himachal Govt U-Turn: 133 Tests To Stay Free In Hospitals, But OPD Fees Will Stay
Last Updated: 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
