Himachal: Delay in Himcare card approvals; 2,000 applications stuck due to server glitch

June 10, 2026

Significant delays are occurring in the process of renewing and issuing new Himcare cards in Himachal Pradesh due to a technical glitch in the server. Even a week after the process began on June 1, approximately 2,000 applications remain pending, making it difficult for people to avail themselves of free medical treatment facilities.

Server Issue Halts Process
The task of approving the cards has been entrusted by the Health Department to a Third-Party Agency (TPA). An unexpected delay in card approval has arisen due to a technical problem in this TPA’s server. This is the first time such a significant delay has been observed in the approval of Himcare cards. Consequently, applicants wishing to get new cards issued or renew existing ones are facing long waits.

Patients Facing Difficulties
Due to this delay, patients are unable to utilize the benefits of the Himcare card for immediate treatment. In particular, patients requiring new cards for surgeries are also being forced to wait. The waiting list of applicants continues to grow as many people are still applying for the cards.

Portal Open Until June 30; Operation Under Insurance Model Proposed
The department has kept the portal open until June 30 for issuing new Himcare cards and renewing old ones. Two significant changes are proposed for the Himcare scheme in the state, under which the scheme will now be operated based on an insurance model.

Resolution of Technical Issue and Emergency Arrangements
Jairul Khan, State Head of Himcare Operations, stated that each card is undergoing sequential verification. He acknowledged that there were some technical issues with the server, which have now been resolved. He also clarified that if a patient requires card approval in an emergency situation, the approval is being facilitated through the hospitals.