The HP government has announced a major update to the HIMCARE scheme, streamlining the registration process by introducing a quarterly card issuance system. This new policy, effective from July 2025, is aimed at improving accessibility, ensuring timely renewals, and enhancing transparency in beneficiary selection.
Under the revised system, new HIMCARE cards will be issued every quarter—with the registration portal opening in March, June, September, and December each year. The portal will remain open for one month during each of these periods. However, card renewals can be done throughout the year. If a card expires, it can only be renewed during the next quarterly registration window.
According to a Health Department spokesperson, the decision ensures that eligible beneficiaries are selected on time, helping them avail free, quality healthcare services under the scheme.
Since December 2022, the government has provided financial assistance worth ₹810 crore to over 5.80 lakh beneficiaries through the HIMCARE initiative. The scheme currently covers 5.26 lakh families, with each card supporting up to five family members. HIMCARE offers free treatment for 3,227 diseases at 136 state-run health institutions, along with select premier centers like PGI Chandigarh, GMCH Chandigarh, and Tata Memorial Centre, New Chandigarh.
Notably, free dialysis services are now extended through all private health institutions operating in the state.
HIMCARE cards are free for categories like BPL families, MGNREGA workers, orphans, street vendors, and prison inmates. Other eligible groups pay nominal fees:
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₹365: Single women, contract/outsource workers, persons with 40%+ disability, midday meal workers, part-time staff, and daily wagers
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₹1,000: All other eligible individuals
Residents are encouraged to register or renew their HIMCARE cards this July, as it marks the final open period before the quarterly system is enforced. From then on, the portal will only open on the 1st of March, June, September, and December, with a one-month window for new applications or late renewals.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
