TNR News Network
Dharamshala
Former Industries Minister and BJP leader Bikram Thakur launched a sharp attack on the Himachal Pradesh government, alleging that the Congress has hollowed out the state’s most important health security scheme, Himcare, thereby denying the poor their right to healthcare.
Thakur said the new notification implemented at Tanda Medical College proves that the government is stripping away essential health rights from the poor, middle class, and needy patients. He claimed that despite holding Himcare cards, patients are now forced to spend thousands of rupees from their own pockets.
He pointed out that the government has stopped reimbursement for medicines, made MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and lab tests payable, and discontinued the provision of free medicines after hospital admission. “This clearly shows the Congress government is not helping the poor but looting their pockets,” Thakur remarked.
He further alleged that while the Chief Minister repeatedly claims improvements in health services, the reality is that patients in government hospitals are being handed bills instead of treatment. Families who trusted Himcare for financial support during serious illnesses now feel betrayed.
Thakur accused the government of burdening citizens with higher taxes, costly electricity and water, and now expensive healthcare. He warned that restricting Himcare’s scope at Tanda Medical College—the state’s largest government health institution—will create a severe crisis for patients from remote areas.
Calling the decision “anti-people and inhumane,” Thakur demanded immediate reversal of all cuts made to the Himcare scheme, reinstating medicines, tests, and other health services under its coverage. He declared that the BJP stands firmly with the poor, farmers, workers, employees, and needy families, and if the Congress government fails to restore Himcare, the party will launch a statewide public movement to hold the government accountable.
