Himachal Ends Free OPD Registration in Government Hospitals, Introduces ₹10 Fee

Shimla, June 4:
The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to discontinue the free OPD registration facility in all government hospitals across the state. Patients visiting government hospitals for treatment will now have to pay a nominal fee of ₹10 at the time of registration—a service that was previously free of cost.

This decision aims to strengthen the Rogi Kalyan Samitis (Patient Welfare Committees) and improve sanitation, infrastructure maintenance, and availability of essential equipment in hospitals.

An official notification has been issued by the Health Department following recommendations from the state cabinet sub-committee. According to the order issued by the Special Secretary (Health), these committees will now be authorized to collect user fees to enhance hospital services.

Under this policy, funds collected from registration will be used by the Rogi Kalyan Samitis to ensure proper maintenance of facilities, cleanliness, building repairs, and availability of medical equipment. The ₹10 fee will be uniformly applicable to every patient visiting a government hospital in the state.

The department has clarified that the decision was taken with the approval of the competent authority, and officials have been directed to implement the policy promptly and report back to the department.

State Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil had previously stated that people often don’t retain the free registration slips, which creates difficulties for doctors. He added that charging a small amount would encourage patients to preserve the slips, leading to better record-keeping.

Government hospitals in Himachal see thousands of patients every day, with the highest footfall recorded at IGMC, medical colleges, and civil hospitals. IGMC’s Super Specialty Chamiyana Hospital has already begun implementing the registration fee in recent days.

OPD Fee Unfair Burden on the Poor, Violation of Health Rights: Dr. Janak Raj

The opposition BJP has criticized the decision, calling it insensitive to the economically weaker sections of society. Dr. Janak Raj, BJP MLA from Pangi-Bharmour and former Medical Superintendent of IGMC, strongly condemned the move, describing it as a direct burden on the poor and a violation of their constitutionally guaranteed right to health.

He argued that in a hilly state like Himachal, where a significant portion of the population relies on daily wages and has limited income, imposing registration and diagnostic charges is anti-people.

Referring to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and health, Dr. Raj cited landmark Supreme Court rulings such as Parmanand Katara and Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity to stress that the decision runs counter to established judicial precedents.

He also pointed out that several health schemes like Himcare are already facing delays in reimbursement, and there is a severe shortage of doctors and medical equipment in government hospitals. “Simply collecting money in the name of service improvement does not guarantee better healthcare delivery,” he said, adding that the move appears to benefit private hospitals indirectly.