CM Sukhu reviewed ongoing initiatives in the health sector and outlined key reforms aimed at strengthening the Himcare Scheme.
The meeting highlighted several measures designed to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of corruption in the scheme. Under the new system, government hospitals will be reimbursed the lower of either the actual treatment cost (including consumables) or the fixed package rate. Hospitals are required to submit detailed bills of actual expenditures along with their claims. Costs such as registration fees, bed charges, and nursing or boarding services will not be included in these claims.
Additionally, charges for surgeons, anesthetists, doctors, consultants, anesthesia, blood transfusions, oxygen, operation theatres, surgical instruments, medicines, and patient meals will also be excluded from reimbursement claims. These components are already covered separately under the Himcare Scheme and are funded directly through the government budget. Previously, similar expenditures were reimbursed through two separate mechanisms. With the new rationalization, these funds will continue to be allocated directly to hospitals via the budget, simplifying the process and preventing duplication.
Currently, around 4.33 lakh families are enrolled under the Himcare Scheme, which ensures free medical treatment at empanelled government hospitals across Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to continue efforts to provide accessible, modern, and high-quality healthcare services for all patients.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
