Shimla, June 5 -- The patients coming to government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh will have to pay Rs.10 as consultation charges at the time of registration. According to a notification issued by the health department, the Rogi Kalyan Samities have been authorised to levy user charges on need basis to strengthen the services, like sanitation, hygiene and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment.

"A consultation fee of Rs.10 will be charged from the patients at the time of registration," the notification said. So far, the registration had been free as no consultation fee was charged from the patients at the time of registration.

Hitting out at the Congress government, led by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, leader of Opposition,...