TNR News Network
Shimla: In a twist that has sparked political heat and public confusion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has denied that the state government ordered hospitals to charge Rs 10 for OPD slips, a move that was set to take effect from today across Himachal Pradesh’s government hospitals.
Amid growing backlash, especially from the opposition BJP, over what was being seen as an added burden on patients, CM Sukhu clarified that the government did not issue any directive for this charge. “We have not imposed this fee,” the Chief Minister said, stating that the decision lies entirely with individual hospitals and their Rogi Kalyan Samitis (patient welfare committees).
Who ordered the fee? CM says ‘not us’
The fee sparked controversy after the Health Department issued a notification mandating a Rs 10 charge for OPD slips and payments for tests that were previously free. While exemptions were granted for BPL families, pregnant women, senior citizens, cancer patients, persons with disabilities, widows and orphaned children, anger erupted over the lack of clarity about who made the decision.
Facing criticism, CM Sukhu said the state government had only empowered hospital committees to decide how to maintain hygiene and services. “If a hospital feels it can manage from its own resources, it may choose not to charge. If it needs funds for cleanliness or equipment maintenance, it can levy the fee. It is not a compulsory order from the government,” Sukhu asserted.
He said the suggestion to allow hospital-level autonomy came from a cabinet sub-committee, but the final call rests with each institution. “We haven’t forced this on anyone,” he emphasised.
Confusion on rollback of decision
Despite the order being officially slated for rollout on Thursday (June 5, 2025), confusion reigned on the ground. In Kullu, for instance, hospitals were still issuing OPD slips free of charge. Meanwhile, reports also emerged that free diagnostic tests were being discontinued, although no formal notification about rolling back those decisions had been released.
Adding to the drama, sources indicated that a reversal of the charges might have been considered on Wednesday evening, but no official orders were communicated as of Thursday afternoon.
The BJP seized the opportunity, with former CM Jai Ram Thakur accusing the Congress-led government of betraying public trust and imposing hidden financial burdens under the guise of autonomy. Social media platforms also witnessed widespread criticism, with citizens questioning the rationale behind monetizing basic healthcare services.
