In a move aimed at expanding healthcare accessibility, the Himachal Pradesh government has updated its HIMCARE scheme to allow year-round issuance of Himcare cards in special cases. While cards will continue to be issued quarterly—in March, June, September, and December—principals of government medical colleges and medical superintendents (MS) now have the authority to permit card issuance anytime during the year for those in urgent need.
This decision, effective from July 2025, is targeted especially at poor and vulnerable families requiring immediate access to free, quality healthcare. The portal is currently open in July, allowing eligible citizens to apply for Himcare cards during this month.
Over 5.80 lakh residents have benefitted from the HIMCARE scheme so far, with the state government having spent around ₹810 crore to provide cashless treatment. The card offers coverage for up to five family members, with treatment for 3,227 diseases across 136 state-run health facilities and leading tertiary centers such as PGI Chandigarh and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital.
In a further boost to emergency care, the government has also announced free treatment for accident victims in all state-run hospitals, ensuring immediate care without delay for financial formalities.
Himcare cards are issued free to sections like BPL families, orphans, street vendors, MGNREGA workers, and prison inmates. Other categories such as single women, disabled persons, and daily wagers pay a nominal fee of ₹365, while the rest of the eligible population pays ₹1,000.
The updated policy also allows card renewal throughout the year, though expired cards must be renewed in the quarterly application months. This reform aims to streamline access and ensure timely renewal so that eligible families don’t miss out on vital health coverage.
