Jairam Thakur Questions Rise in Robotic Surgery Charges in Shimla Hospitals

Shimla, March 11: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has questioned the increase in robotic surgery charges at government hospitals in Shimla, alleging that the cost has nearly doubled within four months of its introduction.

In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said reports indicate that at Atal Super Speciality Hospital, Chamiyana, the cost of robotic surgery for general ward patients has reportedly been increased from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, while patients in special wards are being charged ₹80,000. He pointed out that at IGMC Shimla, officials recently stated that robotic surgery would cost ₹30,000 for general ward patients and ₹50,000 for special ward patients, raising questions about the difference in charges between two government hospitals in the same city.

Thakur also sought clarification on the cost of consumable items used in robotic surgeries, stating that each robotic system reportedly includes consumables sufficient for about 200 surgeries, after which new supplies would need to be purchased. According to medical experts, such consumables could cost ₹1–1.5 lakh per surgery, he said, urging the government to clarify future pricing once these supplies are exhausted.

The BJP leader further asked when Himcare health scheme coverage would be extended to robotic surgeries, noting that a large section of the state’s population covered under Himcare or Ayushman Bharat is currently unable to benefit from the facility.