The Golden Card Scheme, which provides cashless treatment to government employees, pensioners, and their dependents, is facing a severe financial crisis in Uttarakhand. Due to a funding shortfall, empaneled hospitals have outstanding dues exceeding ₹100 crore, and many hospitals are now refusing treatment under the scheme.
Golden Card Scheme: A Struggling Initiative
The Uttarakhand State Health Scheme was launched in 2021 to ensure unlimited medical coverage for state employees, pensioners, and their families. However, unlike other government-funded health programs, this scheme relies entirely on employee and pensioner contributions, with no direct budget allocation from the state government.
Currently, the scheme generates ₹120 crore annually through monthly salary and pension deductions. However, the annual medical expenses have skyrocketed to ₹300 crore, leading to a ₹100 crore deficit.
Hospitals Refusing Cashless Treatment
With huge pending payments, many hospitals are now reluctant to continue providing treatment under the scheme. Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant, has already stopped offering cashless treatment, while several other hospitals have issued ultimatums to the State Health Authority, warning that they will also withdraw from the scheme if payments are not cleared soon.
Government’s Next Move?
The crisis has sparked concerns among government employees and pensioners, who rely on the Golden Card for medical emergencies. Unless immediate financial intervention is made, thousands of beneficiaries could face serious healthcare disruptions in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates on how the government plans to address this growing healthcare crisis.
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