Shimla News
Himachal Pradesh government amended Himcare scheme: Government employees and pensioners out, no treatment in private hospitals
According to a notification issued by Secretary Health M Sudha Devi, all serving and retired government officials/employees have been excluded from the Himcare scheme with immediate effect.
Shimla, August 03: In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced amendments to the Chief Minister Himachal Health Care Scheme (Himcare), which will impact both government employees and private hospitals. According to a notification issued by Secretary Health M Sudha Devi, all serving and retired government officials/employees have been excluded from the Himcare scheme with immediate effect.
Furthermore, private hospitals will not be empanelled under the Himcare scheme from September 1, 2024, i.e. treatment under the scheme will not be available in these hospitals. The decision is influenced by concerns related to the high cost of treatment in private hospitals and the lack of regulatory control over these expenses.
Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil, in a recent statement in Solan, highlighted that many people prefer private hospitals for treatment due to various reasons. However, the exorbitant cost of treatment in these hospitals, which is beyond the control of the government, has raised concerns. Some private hospitals have been accused of charging arbitrary rates, due to which the government has stopped empanelling these hospitals under the Himcare scheme.
The revised scheme aims to address these financial challenges and irregularities and ensure that healthcare services remain affordable and regulated. The exclusion of government employees and pensioners is seen as a measure to streamline the scheme and potentially reallocate resources to more vulnerable sections of the population.
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