PGI awaits Rs 143 crore pending Himcare claims
Mounting concern is brewing at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) as reimbursements under the Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme (HIMCARE) scheme continue to be delayed by the Himachal Pradesh Government.
During a recent governing body meeting, officials revealed that the institute had submitted 1,478 claims totalling ₹143 crore (Approximately) — none of which had been paid so far. The HIMCARE scheme offers cashless medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
The delay starkly contradicts the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the PGIMER and the Himachal Pradesh Government, which mandates that all submitted claims should be processed within one month. Officials at the PGIMER said this timeline had repeatedly been overlooked, creating financial strain on the institute and exposing it to potential audit scrutiny.
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The governing body instructed the PGIMER administration to urgently engage with the state government to expedite the pending payments. The body emphasised that prolonged non-clearance of dues could impact the institute’s financial health and may jeopardise the continuity of critical healthcare services.
Officials of the PGIMER confirmed that the issue had been escalated in accordance with the governing body’s directive. A spokesperson said pending claims were being settled in phases, contingent upon grant released from the Himachal Government.
“In accordance with the directive from the governing body, the PGIMER has proactively addressed this matter with the appropriate authorities of Himachal Pradesh. The pending dues are being settled based on the periodic grants released by the Himachal Government,” reads the official statement.
While the HIMCARE scheme has undeniably improved access to healthcare for many in Himachal Pradesh, continued financial delays threaten to derail its intended impact. The PGIMER has reiterated its commitment to work with the state to resolve these issues swiftly.
Why it’s important?
In a major patient-friendly move, the PGIMER introduced a cashless treatment facility under the HIMCARE scheme on March 8 last year. This allowed patients from Himachal Pradesh to access medical services without upfront payments or long reimbursement waits. Instead of navigating bureaucratic hurdles — such as obtaining treatment estimates, waiting for approval from Shimla and then submitting bills for reimbursement — patients now simply provide a photocopy of their HIMCARE card and hospital slip to avail treatment. According to the PGIMER estimates, between 4,000 and 5,000 Himachal residents avail benefits of the scheme each year at the institute. “Delays in fund disbursement threaten to undermine the scheme’s credibility and operational efficiency,” officials warned.
Chandigarh