Preneeta Sharma
Shimla May 6
The Himachal Pradesh government’s repeated claims of providing free and cashless healthcare through Himcare and Ayushman schemes are facing sharp criticism after serious medicine shortages surfaced at the state cancer hospital in Shimla.
Cancer patients and their families alleged that despite carrying government health cards, they are being forced to buy expensive medicines and chemotherapy injections from private stores because essential drugs are missing from the hospital itself.
The situation has exposed what many patients called the “ground reality” behind the government’s healthcare promises. Families arriving from remote areas of the state said that they expected relief under the schemes, but instead found themselves arranging money for medicines while critically ill patients waited for treatment.
Attendants accused the government of focusing more on publicity than strengthening the healthcare system. “What is the use of distributing cards if hospitals cannot provide medicines?” several families questioned while expressing anger over the situation.
Many patients claimed treatment is getting delayed due to non-availability of medicines. Some families alleged they have taken loans or are struggling under financial pressure despite being enrolled under welfare schemes advertised as free healthcare support for the poor.
The crisis has also raised concerns over the functioning of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, where medicine supplies are reportedly affected because of delayed payments and pending orders. Patients say the shortage reflects administrative failure and poor planning at multiple levels.
Hospital authorities admitted that several medicines are currently unavailable and attributed the issue to delays in supply. However, patients and caregivers say the shortage has badly exposed the government’s healthcare management, especially in a hospital dealing with life-threatening diseases like cancer.
As criticism grows, many families now believe that the government’s healthcare schemes are turning into hollow promises, where cards are distributed widely but actual treatment remains uncertain when patients need it most.
