Overview

• From June 5, patients at state-run hospitals must pay Rs 10 at the time of OPD registration for medical consultations.
• The government has also introduced fixed charges on 133 tests that were previously provided free of cost.
• Fourteen categories of patients, including cancer and kidney sufferers, pregnant women and those over 60, are exempt from the registration fee.
• Rogi Kalyan Samitis have been authorised to levy user charges to support sanitation, hygiene and facility maintenance.
• Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticised the move as anti-people, pointing to staff shortages and non-functional equipment in hospitals.