Himachal's govt hospitals to levy Rs 10 consultation fee

Patients will have to shell out Rs 10 as consultation charges at the time of registration in government hospitals across the state. Until now, there were no consultation charges at the government hospitals.

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On the recommendation of a Cabinet Sub-committee, a decision has been taken to authorise Rogi Kalyan Samitis to levy user charges on need basis to strengthen and improve the services provided by Rogi Kalyan Samitis, such as sanitation, hygiene, maintenance of infrastructure and equipment.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have criticised the decision. Dr Janak Raj, BJP MLA from Bharmour and former Medical Superintendent at IGMC, called it a step against the poor. “The government says the move will strengthen the health set-up. If that is the intention, the government should specify where the funds collected this way would be used,” he said.

Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital Medical Superintendent Rahul Rao said 133 free diagnostics tests offered government hospitals would continue as before.