Himachal’s Healthcare Takes a Hit: Patients to Pay for Services Once Free

In a move that’s stirring concern across Himachal Pradesh, the state government has announced that patients will now have to pay for basic services at government hospitals — services that were previously free. Starting June 5, a visit to the outpatient department (OPD) will cost ₹10 for a slip, marking a significant shift in the state’s healthcare policy.

This change comes as part of a broader effort to manage the state’s deepening financial crisis. The Health Department, through an official notification, confirmed that the new user charges are intended to support the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS), which oversees hospital maintenance, cleanliness, and equipment.

But the changes don’t stop there. The government has also withdrawn free diagnostic services for 133 medical tests — a benefit that had been extended even to vulnerable groups like senior citizens, pregnant women, and families below the poverty line. A notification issued just days earlier, promising these services, has now been rolled back.

Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil defended the decision, suggesting that a small fee might encourage people to value the services more. “When OPD slips are free, people don’t take care of them. A nominal charge could bring more responsibility and help improve facilities,” he said.

However, critics argue that these measures will disproportionately affect low-income families and rural communities, many of whom rely entirely on public healthcare. Activists and opposition leaders are already questioning whether this move undermines the state’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare.

As the government tightens its belt to restore fiscal discipline, the big question remains: will these new charges lead to better hospital services — or simply add to the burden of those who can least afford it?