The initiative will benefit around 4000-5000 patients from HP on yearly basis; Mr. Pankaj Rai, DDA PGIMER
Bhupinder Sharma, City Darpan
Chandigarh, 26, february: PGIMER Chandigarh has taken a significant stride towards revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and patient welfare with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HIMCARE, a commendable scheme of Himachal Pradesh to provide free treatment. This landmark collaboration aims to streamline healthcare services and empower patients through the implementation of a cashless treatment initiative on the analogy of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, benefitting around 4000-5000 patients from Himachal Pradesh on yearly basis.
Marking the beginning of a promising partnership between the two prestigious entities, the MoU was signed in the august presence of Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration) and Mr. Varun Ahluwalia, Financial Advisor, PGIMER by Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER on behalf of PGIMER and Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, HP Swasthya Bima Yojna Society on behalf of HIMCARE, Under this agreement, PGI and HIMCARE will work together to enhance the healthcare experience for patients by facilitating cashless treatment.
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, expressed his profound optimism about the collaborative endeavor, stating, "At PGI, we are steadfast in our dedication to providing exemplary healthcare services that prioritize patient well-being above all else. Through our partnership with HIMCARE and the implementation of a cashless treatment initiative, we are poised to enhance accessibility and affordability, ultimately ensuring that no patient is denied the care they deserve due to financial constraints."
Elaborating further on the laudable initiative, Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), stated, “Himachal Pradesh had started new scheme namely HIMCARE w.e.f 1st January, 2019 for providing the facility of cashless treatment benefit up to Rs. 5.00 lakh per year. On an average 4000 patients per year from Himachal Pradesh are availing treatment under the scheme at PGIMER Chandigarh. However, the entire process of reimbursement under the scheme was very cumbersome and time consuming and took a minimum of 4-5 months for reimbursement. To overcome this issue and for the benefit of HIMCARE beneficiaries, it has been decided to provide the cashless facility by the PGIMER Chandigarh on the analogy of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna. This will benefit around 4000-5000 patients from Himachal Pradesh on yearly basis.”
Mr. Rai further detailed, “Now there will be no requirement to get and submit the treatment estimate certificate or bills for reimbursement. The beneficiary will have to submit only HIMCARE card at the counter for treatment and cashless treatment facility shall be provided by the PGI. The State Government of Himachal Pradesh shall reimburse the amount to PGIMER Chandigarh based on predefined package rates.”
"This collaboration aligns with our vision of fostering innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery,” concluded Deputy Director (Administration) PGIMER.