In a major policy shift in the healthcare sector, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the discontinuation of the Himcare health scheme, introduced during the previous government led by Jai Ram Thakur. The announcement was made during a discussion in the state vidhan sabha as part of the ongoing budget session.
The Chief Minister stated that the decision to phase out the Himcare scheme was taken after serious concerns were raised regarding financial management and lack of transparency in its implementation. According to the government, nearly ₹1,000 crore was spent under the scheme, but questions emerged over the efficiency and monitoring of these expenditures. Sukhu informed the House that a vigilance inquiry has already been ordered to examine alleged irregularities linked to the scheme.
Clarifying his earlier remarks that drew political reactions, the Chief Minister explained that misuse or inefficient deployment of public funds ultimately amounts to wastage of taxpayers’ money. He emphasized that if such a significant amount had been systematically invested in strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure, it could have yielded more sustainable and long-term benefits.
As part of a broader reform agenda, the Sukhu government has proposed a new health insurance framework aimed at ensuring greater accountability and financial discipline. The Chief Minister highlighted that under the previous system, funds were often routed through Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS), where auditing and financial tracking posed challenges because transactions did not pass through the state treasury system.
Under the new model, all payments related to healthcare services will be processed through the treasury, allowing for real-time monitoring, proper auditing, and improved transparency. The government believes that this shift will help plug financial leakages and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries more effectively.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare services across the state. He indicated that alongside the new insurance model, investments will be directed toward upgrading hospitals, improving medical infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery, particularly in rural and remote areas.
During the session, Sukhu also responded to opposition criticism regarding the procurement of robotic surgery equipment. He asserted that the government had secured these machines at a cost lower than comparable purchases made by premier institutions such as AIIMS. He stated that the total expenditure on the machinery was approximately ₹28 crore and challenged the opposition to provide evidence if similar equipment could be procured at a lower cost.
The decision to replace the Himcare scheme marks a significant shift in Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare policy, with the government aiming to transition from a model criticized for financial opacity to one centered on transparency, accountability, and system-driven efficiency. The move is expected to remain a key political and policy issue as the state continues its budget deliberations.
