PGIMER’s cashless HIMCARE initiative a boon for Himachal Pradesh patients
PTC News Desk: The cashless HIMCARE initiative, launched by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on March 8th, has proven to be a transformative success for patients from Himachal Pradesh. Since its inception, 1,512 patients have benefited from medical services valued at INR 7.88 crore, significantly improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative’s success. “PGIMER remains committed to pioneering initiatives that enhance healthcare accessibility and quality. The success of the cashless HIMCARE initiative is a testament to the collective efforts of our medical and administrative teams.
The transition to a cashless system has significantly reduced the financial stress on patients, allowing them to focus solely on their recovery. It is heartening to have facilitated healthcare services for over 1,500 patients within a short span of 65 days,” he said.
Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration) at PGIMER, elaborated on the impact of the initiative. “On average, 4,000 patients per year from Himachal Pradesh avail treatment under the scheme at PGIMER. By making HIMCARE cashless, PGIMER has alleviated the instant financial burden on patients, which tends to be reimbursed subsequently and thus mirrors the structure of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
This crucial step has saved patients from the hassle of arranging funds upfront and subsequently undergoing a lengthy reimbursement process that sometimes takes 4-5 months. As a result, the initiative has ensured timely and uninterrupted medical treatment, drastically improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.”
Prof. Vipin Kaushal, Medical Superintendent & Head of the Department of Hospital Administration at PGIMER, added, “The extension of the cashless HIMCARE scheme has allowed us to reach more patients, offering them the care they need without financial barriers. Now, patients are not required to get and submit the treatment estimate certificate or bills for reimbursement. The beneficiary has to submit only the HIMCARE card at the counter to avail of the cashless treatment facility at PGI. The State Government of Himachal Pradesh shall reimburse the amount to PGIMER based on pre-defined package rates.”
The patients under the HIMCARE scheme have lauded the initiative, noting the ease and peace of mind it provides. Balkishan Kanthwar, 62, from Solan, shared, “Being a beneficiary of the cashless HIMCARE program has been nothing short of life-saving for me. Previously, navigating through the procedural maze took months and many trips to PGIMER and other places, during which my health deteriorated and I witnessed others succumb to their ailments.”
Mehandi Devi, 60, from Sirmour, echoed the sentiment of many beneficiaries, saying, “It is not just about convenience; it’s about preserving lives. By not having to worry about immediate payments and lengthy reimbursement processes, we and our families can now focus entirely on treatment and recovery.”
Desh Raj from Sunder Nagar, District Mandi, also praised the cashless scheme, sharing, “My 8-month-old daughter Pratyusha is suffering from liver cancer, and I was worried about how to get her treatment at PGI. I am grateful to the Himachal Government as well as PGI for the cashless HIMCARE scheme. With this scheme, thousands of Himachalis are receiving free treatment at PGI.”
Anju Bala, sister of patient Munish Kumar, thanked PGI and the Himachal Government, stating, “My brother Munish Kumar was admitted for one month in PGI, and the entire cost of treatment was covered by the HIMCARE scheme. The cashless scheme is a remarkable initiative by PGI and the Himachal Pradesh Government.”
Nitin Kumar from Kangra shared his gratitude, saying, “The cashless HIMCARE service provided by the H.P. Government helped me a lot during the period of treatment and acted like a financial backbone for me.”