Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared on Friday that the state government will initiate a comprehensive investigation into suspected irregularities within the Himcare health scheme. The announcement came during the final day of the winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Dharamshala's Tapovan.
Allegations of Corruption and Undue Benefits
The Chief Minister stated that the core purpose of the Himcare scheme has been compromised due to corruption, with allegations that private medical shops and hospitals received undue financial benefits. He assured the assembly that the "big scam" would be fully uncovered, while emphasizing that medical treatment for the poor and needy under the scheme would continue uninterrupted.
Sukhu was responding to questions raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators Vinod Kumar and Trilok Jamwal. The MLAs had sought answers from the government regarding private hospitals that allegedly submitted bills for excess reimbursements under the scheme.
Financial Audit and Future Safeguards
The CM informed the House that the expenditure under the Himcare scheme is currently being audited by the Principal Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh. He revealed a significant financial detail: private hospitals in the state were paid a total of Rs 211.27 crore under the scheme in the last three years, up to October 31, 2025.
To curb future irregularities, Sukhu outlined new measures. He announced that principals and superintendents of government medical colleges have been authorized to make Himcare cards for four months each year. He stressed that cards for all eligible and needy persons are being issued without any restrictions.
Opposition Demands and Assembly Disruption
Earlier in the session, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the state government of failing to implement the Himcare scheme in its true spirit. He questioned whether the scheme would continue to operate in government hospitals. BJP MLA Trilok Jamwal demanded that the government disclose the names of private institutions involved in the alleged irregularities over the past three years.
Other BJP members, including Randhir Sharma, supported the call for an investigation but insisted that the common people should not face difficulties in availing healthcare benefits during the probe.
The session later witnessed a commotion during the Zero Hour. Speaker Kuldeep Pathania adjourned the House for ten minutes after opposition members protested remarks made by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi against Jai Ram Thakur and the BJP. The uproar began after the Speaker informed members about a privilege motion filed by Negi against the LoP under Rule 75, alleging the use of objectionable language. BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar led the protest, demanding the expunging of certain words from the assembly records.
A Unified Stand Against Drugs
In a notable display of unity on a separate issue, members from both the ruling and opposition benches, led by CM Sukhu and LoP Thakur, staged a protest against drug abuse ('chitta') on the assembly premises. Legislators wore badges with the message "Drug-Free Himachal" and raised slogans, pledging a combined fight against the menace.
