Congress’s Decision to Halt Himcare Program is Draconian: Anurag Thakur

July 27, 2024, Himachal Pradesh:** Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur criticized the Himachal Pradesh Congress government’s decision to stop the Himcare card services in private hospitals, calling it a draconian decree against public interest.

Thakur expressed his disappointment, stating, “The current Congress government has proven to be the most corrupt, confused, and lazy in Himachal’s history. In their 19-month tenure, they have no achievements of their own and are now undermining BJP’s successful initiatives. The Himcare scheme, launched by the BJP in 2019 to provide cashless treatment for those excluded from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, was benefiting millions in the state. However, the Congress government has decided to terminate this facility for private hospitals, which is a cruel joke on the people of Himachal.”

Thakur further commented on the deteriorating state of medical services under the Congress regime, highlighting the challenges faced by patients in government hospitals. “Patients are struggling to access essential services like dialysis. Previously, those who couldn’t rely on the government system would turn to private hospitals using the Himcare card. This card provided cashless treatment up to five lakhs and was accepted in 141 private health institutions in and outside Himachal. Now, due to Congress’s economic mismanagement, another public welfare scheme has been sacrificed.”

He added, “Whenever Congress comes to power in Himachal, development halts, and encroachments increase. Since forming the government, Congress has maliciously stopped development projects, taken loans of Rs 25,000 crore, and increased the state’s debt to Rs 95,000 crore. They have closed various health institutions, educational centers, uniforms for school children, and facilities for laborers. Congress must explain why they are punishing the public.”