Himachal Pradesh News
CM Sukhu Orders In-Depth Probe Into Alleged ‘Himcare Scam’, Says Scheme’s Original Purpose Was Distorted
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the Himachal Pradesh Assembly that a thorough probe is underway into alleged irregularities in the Himcare health scheme, claiming its original purpose was compromised. The government is auditing past expenditures and examining possible criminal conspiracy.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday informed the Himachal Pradesh Assembly that his government is undertaking a detailed investigation into alleged irregularities in the Himcare health scheme.
He was responding to a question raised jointly by BJP MLAs Vinod Kumar and Trilok Jamwal during the question hour. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also intervened, alleging that the government was not sincerely implementing the scheme in its true spirit.
The Chief Minister clarified that the scheme’s past expenditures are currently being audited by the state’s Accountant General. Additionally, he said the government would conduct a thorough probe to determine whether any criminal conspiracy was involved.
Sukhu told the House that several private hospitals appeared to have gained disproportionately from the scheme, undermining its core purpose.
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“Corruption has taken place by tampering with the original spirit of Himcare,” he said, while noting that despite these issues, the poor and needy continued to receive treatment under the programme.
He also informed the Assembly that principals and medical superintendents of medical colleges have been authorised to issue Himcare cards in emergency situations if a patient has not been able to obtain one earlier.
The government has allocated a four-month window every year for issuing Himcare cards, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can access the scheme without unnecessary hurdles.
