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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
Odisha Ramps Up Covid-19 Vigilance Amid National Surge: 38 Cases Reported
Amidst reports regarding a spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, the Odisha government has intensified its monitoring and containment measures to ensure public health safety across the state, said an official here on Friday. Referring to latest data released by the Health Department, a statement noted that a total of 755 samples have been tested in Odisha as of June 6, 2025. Of these, 38 samples have returned positive, with 9 individuals already recovered. The remaining 29 patients are in home isolation and reported to be stable. To align state-level strategies with national preparedness, the government of Odisha participated in a high-level virtual review meeting held on June 3, 2025, chaired by Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of India. The meeting included representatives from ICMR institutions, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), State Surveillance Units, and various state health authorities. Following the meeting, the Union Health Ministry released a detailed press note noting that India currently has 4,302 active Covid-19 cases, with 864 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. Most of these cases are mild and are being managed at home. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 44 reported Covid-19-related deaths, mainly among individuals with comorbidities. 'Healthcare systems have been directed to ensure adequate oxygen supply, availability of ventilators, isolation beds, and essential medicines. Mock drills to test oxygen infrastructure and hospital-level readiness were conducted on June 2 and further planned for June 4–5. Surveillance of ILI and SARI cases has been intensified, and positive samples are being sent for Whole Genome Sequencing. The public has been advised to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, including hand hygiene, cough etiquette, self-monitoring, and avoiding crowded spaces when symptomatic,' reads the statement. The Odisha government has reiterated its commitment to strictly implementing all precautionary measures and guidelines issued by the Centre, aiming to minimize the impact of the current Covid-19 surge and protect public health. The state government has requested people to remain vigilant, avoid panic, and rely only on verified sources such as the MoH&FW website and official bulletins for accurate information.
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rs 5,000 as aid to those caring for differently abled likely soon in Delhi
A financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to caretakers and attendants of people suffering from over 80% or above disability is likely to be provided soon by the Delhi government in a first-of-its-kind initiative, officials have said. 'This is going to be the first such scheme in the Capital where the caretakers will also receive financial assistance from the government…,' Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said. 'A proposal has been prepared in this regard, and it was already discussed in the Cabinet meeting once… Some changes are being made. Once it is ready, the proposal will be presented before the Cabinet again for approval and further implementation,' he added. The Capital, the Minister said, has 1,000 such families with people having 80% or above disability, and who are completely dependent on their family members and others. For an accurate figure, however, the department is also planning to conduct a survey so that only those eligible can avail the benefits under the proposed scheme. 'This is a first-of-its-kind proposal not only in Delhi but across the country,' a senior official said. The Social Welfare Department's existing pension scheme provides persons with over 40% disability a monthly aid of Rs 2,500. As per official data, about 1.5 lakh specially-abled people are availing this pension scheme. However, no assistance is provided to their caregivers. 'The aim behind this scheme is to ensure that there is no negligence in the care of such persons with disabilities, especially those from economically weaker sections. Also, the attendants receive some financial support… because well-to-do families have separate nurses or caretakers to take care of such persons…But the case is different in poor families, so this scheme will help them financially,' the senior official added. Officials said the caretakers can be parents, siblings, or anyone who is taking care of the differently abled. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Social Welfare Minister also inspected the under-construction building for mentally challenged individuals in Narela on Friday. Once completed, individuals currently residing in overcrowded shelter homes like Asha Kiran Home in Rohini will be relocated here. The building, located within the Nursing College Hostel premises and the Primary Urban Health Centre campus in Narela, will accommodate 220 differently abled residents. This facility is expected to be operational within three months. The Minister directed the officials to ensure the building is wheelchair-friendly and there is no encroachment around the premises, so that ambulance movement does not face any obstruction. Indraj also said that multiple facilities are being developed across the city for differently abled people. Once the facilities in Mamurpur and Dallupura are completed, they will significantly improve access to services, safety, and healthcare for the differently abled, he added.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
UP inks Rs 435cr MoUs at Ahmd roadshow
Lucknow: Inviting pharma sector players to come and invest in UP during a roadshow in Ahmedabad on Friday, CEO of UP state industrial development authority (UPSIDA), Mayur Maheshwari said that a new era for the pharma sector is taking place in UP. "UP is developing a bulk drug pharma park on 1,472.33 acre in Lalitpur, with a proposed investment of approximately Rs250 crore. This project is a significant step towards making the country self-reliant in the pharmaceutical sector and establishing India as the 'Pharmacy of the world'," he said, adding, "it will not only attract substantial investment but also create new employment opportunities for the skilled workforce in the state. " Several agreements were signed by UPSIDA with pharma companies on the occasion. The list includes CSL Lifesciences Private Limited, which proposed an investment of Rs 200 crore for establishing an intravenous bottle plant and oral solid dosage plant within the next two years. Likewise, Medihealth Diagnostic Pvt Ltd will establish a healthcare unit on 4,200 sqmt in Lalitpur, while Gaman Irradiation Company will invest Rs 35 crore in a skin treatment and irradiation unit. Creating employment for 150 people, the project will be implemented in 24-36 months. Additionally, Obmed Pharma has decided to invest Rs 200 crore to establish a formulation unit. Spread across five acre of land in Lalitpur, the unit will create employment for around 100 people. Several business-to-govt meetings were held, where detailed discussions on investment-related topics took place between industry representatives and govt officials. Earlier, in the welcome address, convenor of CII Gujarat pharma and healthcare panel, Swapnil Shah highlighted investment opportunities in UP. Advisor to UP CM, GN Singh said, "UP emerged as the most suitable state for investment in the pharma sector". He shared detailed information about the efforts made by the state govt to empower the pharma sector. An 'Open House' session followed, where participants engaged in direct dialogue with state govt officials to resolve their queries and concerns. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by chairman of Shalby Ltd, Shanay Shah. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
