Health scheme failure leaves Dharamshala residents in a fix

Dharamshala: Local youths of the region have blamed the authorities for financial losses faced by them after the government made amendments to hire private vehicles for a health scheme run in the state. They alleged that private companies had been hired by the government from outside the state without considering the fate of youths who had already invested money to purchase vehicles to be used under the scheme under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karykram (RBSK).


Under RBSK scheme, the health department hired vehicles to take medical teams comprising a doctor, a pharmacist and a helper to visit government schools and anganwadi centres to screen children for various deficiencies.

The youths who bought vehicles under this scheme allege that they have not received their payments for the last five months. Ankur Panjoria (30), a resident of Sulah area of Kangra district, said he had invested around Rs 10 lakh for buying a vehicle last year. He said the vehicle was hired under the RBSK scheme for Nagrota block of Kangra district but he has not received any payment since April.

“Under this scheme, the government is paying the private company around Rs 34,000 but the locals who have given their vehicles for hiring get Rs 25,000. Our repeated requests to the health minister regarding payments have remained unheeded,” he said.

Tirlok Chand (37), another local resident, said they had taken loans for buying vehicles. “Government should intervene to check exploitation by private companies hired by them. We are defaulting on loan payments to banks. Who do we turn to now?” he said.

Another affected local resident, Vinay Kumar said under the scheme, authorities can deploy three vehicles in each block. “Each one of us has invested around Rs 10 lakhs to meet the norms of the department and the company. There are around 200 youths across the state who are suffering like us,” said another local Rohit Kumar.

When contacted, health minister of state Vipin Parmar said the matter had come to his knowledge and action would be taken against the company if the locals are being exploited. “I will ensure proper action into this matter. Those who are suffering should give a presentation to me in a proper manner,” he added.