Himachal CM Sukhu Denies Government's Role in Controversial OPD Slip Fee
Political Controversy Over OPD Slip Charges
Shimla: In a surprising turn of events that has ignited political tensions and public uncertainty, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has refuted claims that the state government mandated hospitals to impose a Rs 10 fee for outpatient department (OPD) slips, a policy that was supposed to be implemented today in government hospitals across Himachal Pradesh.
As backlash intensified, particularly from the opposition BJP, who viewed this as an additional financial strain on patients, CM Sukhu clarified that no such directive had been issued by the government. He stated, “We have not imposed this fee,” emphasizing that the decision rests solely with individual hospitals and their patient welfare committees, known as Rogi Kalyan Samitis.
Clarification on Fee Implementation
The controversy erupted following a notification from the Health Department that mandated a Rs 10 charge for OPD slips and for certain tests that were previously offered at no cost. Although exemptions were made for families below the poverty line, pregnant women, senior citizens, cancer patients, individuals with disabilities, widows, and orphaned children, the ambiguity surrounding the decision's origin led to public outrage.
In response to the criticism, CM Sukhu explained that the state government had merely authorized hospital committees to determine how to manage hygiene and services. “If a hospital believes it can sustain itself without charging, it may opt not to impose the fee. Conversely, if it requires funds for cleanliness or equipment upkeep, it can choose to implement the charge. This is not a mandatory directive from the government,” Sukhu clarified.
He noted that the recommendation for hospital-level autonomy originated from a cabinet sub-committee, but the ultimate decision lies with each institution. “We haven’t enforced this on anyone,” he reiterated.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Fee's Rollback
Despite the fee being scheduled for implementation on Thursday (June 5, 2025), confusion persisted on the ground. For example, hospitals in Kullu continued to issue OPD slips without charge. Additionally, reports surfaced indicating that free diagnostic tests were being phased out, yet no formal announcement regarding the reversal of these decisions had been made. Sources suggested that a reconsideration of the charges might have been discussed on Wednesday evening, but no official communication was issued by Thursday afternoon.
The BJP took advantage of the situation, with former CM Jai Ram Thakur accusing the Congress-led government of undermining public trust and imposing hidden financial burdens disguised as autonomy. Social media platforms were flooded with criticism, as citizens questioned the logic behind monetizing essential healthcare services.