PGIMER partners with HIMCARE for accessible healthcare

PGIMER Chandigarh has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance healthcare accessibility and patient welfare by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HIMCARE, a commendable healthcare initiative in Himachal Pradesh offering free treatment.

The collaborative effort aims to implement a cashless treatment initiative, akin to Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, benefiting approximately 4000-5000 patients from Himachal Pradesh annually.

The MoU, a milestone in the partnership, was signed in the presence of Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), Varun Ahluwalia, Financial Advisor of PGIMER, and Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent. On behalf of HIMCARE, Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of HP Swasthya Bima Yojna Society, signed the agreement. The collaboration aims to streamline healthcare services, providing a seamless and cashless treatment experience for patients. Prof. Vivek Lal, expressing optimism about the collaboration, emphasized PGI’s dedication to exemplary healthcare services prioritizing patient well-being.

The cashless treatment initiative is poised to enhance accessibility and affordability, ensuring that financial constraints do not deny patients the care they deserve. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), highlighted the HIMCARE scheme initiated by Himachal Pradesh, offering cashless treatment benefits up to Rs. 5.00 lakh per year. Approximately 4000 patients annually seek treatment at PGIMER under this scheme, facing challenges in the reimbursement process. To address this, PGIMER will now provide cashless treatment on the analogy of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna. This streamlined process eliminates the need for reimbursement paperwork; beneficiaries only need to present their HIMCARE card for cashless treatment. The State Government of Himachal Pradesh will reimburse PGIMER based on predefined package rates.

Deputy Director (Administration) PGIMER underscored that this collaboration aligns with their vision of fostering innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. The initiative reflects a commitment to overcoming challenges, ensuring prompt and efficient healthcare services for the residents of Himachal Pradesh.