Munish Sood
MANDI: The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to impose Rs 10 user charge on outpatient department (OPD) slips and to discontinue free diagnostics for 133 medical tests in public hospitals has sparked a wave of political backlash and public concern.
The new order will come into effect from tomorrow across all government health institutions.
Under the new directive, commonly availed medical tests such as blood sugar, urine analysis, thyroid tests (TSH), lipid profile, and X-rays — previously provided free — will now attract charges. The decision, according to government officials, stems from the need to improve quality, infrastructure, and service delivery in government hospitals.
BJP calls it ‘anti-poor governance’; cites pattern of rising costs
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the move, calling it a “betrayal of public trust”. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said: “This government is systematically dismantling the welfare model in Himachal. First, they hiked bus fares in remote and tribal areas and now they are charging the poor even to step into a hospital. What’s next — user fees for drinking water?”
“The Sukhu government came to power promising reform and relief, but has instead launched an economic assault on the common man.”
Senior BJP leader and former minister Ram Lal Markanda, who earlier represented Lahaul-Spiti, also issued a stern reaction: “This decision is unjust and unacceptable. It directly impacts the poor, especially in tribal and remote regions. I want to tell the people of Lahaul-Spiti — your brother, your son is with you. We will soon organise a massive protest rally against this irresponsible government.”
Public discontent grows online
Social media saw growing unrest over the policy shift. Hashtags like #RollbackHealthFee and #PublicHealthcareUnderAttack trended, with netizens comparing Himachal’s rollback of free services to other states where public healthcare remains completely subsidized.
Government defends move: Focus on strengthening Rogi Kalyan Samitis
In its official communication, the Himachal Pradesh government clarified the rationale behind the move, stating that the user charges are intended to support the activities of Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS), autonomous bodies tasked with the upkeep and development of hospital infrastructure and services.
In a letter issued by K Jeet, Special Secretary (Health) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, it was stated: “On the recommendation of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rogi Kalyan Samitis, the competent authority has decided that, to strengthen and improve services such as sanitation, hygiene, and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, the respective RKS at various levels in the state are henceforth authorized to levy user charges on a need basis.”
