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The Himachal govt says the move aims to improve healthcare services and generate resources. Official orders regarding the new charges were issued on June 3
Facing a severe financial crisis, the state government has had to cut back on many free services. (PTI/File)
In a significant decision, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh has announced that from June 5, all government health institutions across the state will charge a fee for OPD slips. Patients will now be required to pay Rs 10 for registration slips. The Secretary of the Health Department has issued a notification to this effect.
Additionally, 133 different tests conducted in hospitals will no longer be free, with the government deciding to impose fixed fees for these tests.
However, exceptions have been made for 14 categories of people, including cancer and kidney patients, pregnant women, elderly people over 60, TB patients, Divyang (differently abled), mentally ill, jail inmates, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) beneficiaries, patients covered under the free medicine scheme, disaster victims, HIV-positive patients, children in child reform homes, and residents of old age homes and orphanages.
The Himachal Pradesh government has asserted that this move aims to enhance health services and secure resources. Official orders were issued on June 3.
In the order issued by the Health Secretary, it has been stated that, based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, a decision has been taken to allow the collection of user charges to strengthen and improve the services provided by the Rogi Kalyan Samitis. These services include hygiene, cleanliness, and the maintenance of infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, it has been decided that a consultation fee of Rs 10 will be charged from all patients at the time of registration at the hospital.
Previously, government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh did not charge for prescriptions, and registration was free. However, facing a severe financial crisis, the state government has had to cut back on many free services. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil noted that people often do not keep their prescriptions safely, which has led the government to implement the new fee.
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Himachal Pradesh, India, India
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