Himachal: Daughter Accuses State Government of Negligence After Father's Cancer Death
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Synopsis
A cancer patient's death has ignited accusations against the Himachal Pradesh government regarding negligence in the HIMCARE scheme, leading to widespread public outrage and political ramifications.
Key Takeaways
- Devraj Sharma died due to lack of timely treatment under the HIMCARE scheme.
- His daughter, Jahnavi Sharma, condemned the government's negligence.
- The HIMCARE scheme offers coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh but was allegedly non-functional.
- Political fallout includes calls for Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s resignation.
- The family demands justice and accountability for the negligence.
Shimla, January 18 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh government’s HIMCARE scheme is facing scrutiny due to allegations of state negligence towards a cancer patient, which ultimately resulted in his death.
Devraj Sharma was hospitalized and required injections costing Rs 50,000, yet he could not obtain them despite being a beneficiary of the HIMCARE scheme. His daughter, Jahnavi Sharma, has accused the state government of being ‘responsible’ for his passing.
She shared a video that captured the disregard shown by officials and criticized the administration led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for her father’s death. This video has circulated widely, inciting public outrage.
In her video, she stated that although they held a HIMCARE card, they were denied the necessary injections priced at Rs 50,000, even though the scheme offers medical coverage up to Rs 5 lakh.
"My father was receiving treatment at IGMC (Shimla). The injections were essential for his chemotherapy, and although we had a HIMCARE card, the hospital administration refused it. We could not procure the injection. My father died due to the lack of timely treatment,” she said in the video.
“We also contacted the CM helpline for assistance, but received no support,” she added.
The hospital has claimed that the scheme was inactive due to outstanding payments from the government.
It is important to note that the HIMCARE scheme is designed to provide cashless treatment to beneficiaries, up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
Devraj Sharma was the sole breadwinner for the family.
The family is now seeking justice from the state government and demands strict action against the negligent officials.
Jahnavi Sharma has also disputed the hospital's assertion that they had not paid the full premium for their HIMCARE card.
“Our financial situation has deteriorated following my father's death. I had paid the complete premium for the HIMCARE card. However, my father passed away due to the unavailability of the injection. Those responsible should face consequences,” she insisted.
This incident has gained political momentum, with the Opposition targeting Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and calling for his resignation.
Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur remarked that his government had initiated the HIMCARE scheme to enhance healthcare, but the Congress government has worked to dismantle it.
The BJP has claimed that since the Congress party took control in the state, the healthcare system has significantly declined.
