Shimla
The incidents of rude behavior towards patients and taking money in exchange for tests have frequently arisen at IGMC Shimla. A similar case has come to light where a female patient who, despite having a valid Himcare card, was charged 2,750 rupees to undergo a routine MRI.
The form for this female patient’s Himcare was filled out, but when she arrived for the MRI, she was informed that the system was not accepting her card due to a software update and that she would need to pay for the MRI. This woman had traveled from Matiyana in the Theog subdivision to have the MRI done in Shimla, only to be asked to pay.
It is said that the Ayushman card is only valid when a patient is undergoing treatment, but treatment up to 5 lakh rupees is provided free of charge with the Himcare card. People apply for the Himcare card hoping to get benefit from treatment when needed, yet at IGMC Shimla, this woman was charged despite having a Himcare card and obtaining a valid invoice.
Hospital officials have evaded inquiries about this matter and asked the woman to come to them so they can investigate where the error has occurred. However, the fact that the hospital administration demanded payment from this female patient despite her having a Himcare card raises several questions.
