Shimla
In Himachal Pradesh’s government hospitals, patients have to pay a consultation fee of Rs 10 before they may receive a prescription. The government states that this decision was made in order to enhance and improve the services offered by the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, including infrastructure, equipment maintenance, health care, and cleanliness. In this respect, the government has released a notification. The message states that RKS is now able to charge users based on their needs. In addition, it has been planned to charge all patients a consultation fee of Rs 10 at the time of hospital registration. Previously, there was no cost associated with the prescription.
Additionally, 133 various tests that are performed in hospitals will no longer be free. On May 26, the administration announced that it will no longer provide 14 categories with free diagnostic testing and X-rays in all state-run government health facilities. On May 26, the administration sent out a notification and offered these groups free testing. The ruling has now been reversed. These groups included people with serious illnesses like cancer and kidney disease, pregnant women, elderly people over 60, TB patients, disabled and mentally ill people, prisoners, NRHM beneficiaries, patients covered by the free medicine program, victims of natural disasters, people with HIV, children in child reform homes, elderly homes, and orphanages.
It is worthy to remember that prescriptions were previously filled and registration was completed at no cost at Himachal Pradesh’s government hospitals. However, the state is experiencing a severe economic crisis, and as a result, the Sukhu administration is reducing the number of free services. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil had previously suggested that the government will now impose a tax since individuals do not store prescription drugs securely.
