Himcare scheme to continue

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri confirmed that the HIMCARE scheme in Himachal Pradesh will continue despite opposition claims of its closure. He highlighted the need for reforms to address significant loopholes in the scheme, particularly regarding discrepancies in medical claims, which have led to financial mismanagement. The cabinet sub-committee, which includes various ministers, aims to implement tighter regulations to prevent pilferage and ensure accurate billing practices. Currently, the HIMCARE scheme carries a liability of Rs 457 crore, with Rs 150 crore owed to private hospitals and Rs 307 crore to government facilities. Additionally, the committee plans to advocate for expanding the Ayushman Bharat scheme to cover more families, as only 5.32 lakh are currently included, leaving 14.83 lakh families without coverage. Agnihotri emphasized that these changes are necessary to enhance the scheme's financial integrity and reach more residents of the state.