The Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh has received strict instructions from the High Court regarding the pending payment under the Himcare scheme. The court has clearly said that money for the treatment of eligible patients cannot be withheld citing lack of funds. The court has ordered the state government to take all possible steps to release the Himcare fund soon.
Excuse of lack of funds will not suffice, High Court
The court clearly said that if a patient is eligible for the Himcare scheme, then the money for his treatment cannot be stopped just by saying that the government does not have the budget or funds.
The court directed the state government to make every effort to release the outstanding money of the patient by Tuesday. The court said that when the government itself gives assurance of treatment under this scheme and the department has also accepted the claim as correct, then lack of funds cannot be used as an excuse.
Had to pay Rs 2.70 lakh from my own pocket
This case is of a patient named Surendra Kumar, who is a beneficiary of Himcare scheme. Due to heart disease, he had to be admitted to PGI Chandigarh, where coronary stents were inserted in his heart. About Rs 2.70 lakh was spent on the treatment. Despite having a Himcare card, the hospital did not receive timely payment from the government, so Surendra Kumar had to pay the entire amount from his own pocket.
The government accepted the claim as true, but said there were no funds.
When the money was not received back several times, Surendra Kumar sent a legal notice to the CEO of HP Health Insurance Scheme Society on 12 December 2025. In response to this, on February 2, 2026, the department admitted that the claim of Rs 2.70 lakh is completely correct. But the department also said that the payment could not be made due to non-availability of funds in the Himcare scheme at present. The High Court made a strict comment on this and directed the government to make the payment.
Show cause notice to senior officials in contempt case
The High Court has also adopted a strict stance in another case. The court has issued show cause notices to Health Department Principal Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Medical Education Director Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Health Services Director Dr. Gopal Beri. The court has asked why contempt action should not be taken against them for ignoring court orders.
Difficulty increased due to not giving NOC of Nursing College
This matter is related to Shaheed Diwan Chand Katoch Education Society. The organization had sought NOC to open a nursing college. On November 24, 2025, the High Court had ordered the authorities to take a decision within three weeks. But even after several months no action was taken. For this reason the court has sought answers from the officials. Now the next hearing of this case will be on July 13.
Government filed affidavit in service extension case
The government has also filed a compliance affidavit in the High Court in the matter of re-employing retired employees. Taking this on record, the court has fixed the next hearing for July 22. Also, former Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has been exempted from appearing personally in the next hearing.
Allegation of violation of 2017 orders
This case is related to the decision given by the High Court in 2017, in which it was said that no employee will be given extension of service after retirement except in special circumstances. It is alleged that the government ignored these rules and reinstated many retired employees, which is a violation of the court orders.
Court asked for complete list
The High Court has directed the government to present before the court the complete list and all necessary information of those retired employees who have been given extension or re-employment from December 19, 2017 to 2026. The court has clearly indicated that it is looking at this matter seriously and any negligence in following the rules will not be tolerated.