15/07/2026
CRH launches hospital-funded healthcare scheme offering free general ward treatment
GANGTOK, July 14 — Central Referral Hospital (CRH), the teaching hospital of Sikkim Manipal University, on Tuesday launched a hospital-funded healthcare programme offering free treatment for eligible general ward inpatients, in a move aimed at reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses amid rising healthcare costs.
The Dr TMA Pai Wellness Scheme, which comes into effect on July 15, will waive bed charges, inpatient consultation fees, surgical charges, procedure costs and administrative fees for patients admitted to general wards for a minimum of 72 hours. The scheme is funded by the institution and is not linked to any government health insurance programme.
Hospital authorities said patients would also receive free access to 20 routine laboratory investigations, including haemoglobin, blood glucose, liver function tests and complete blood count, while all other laboratory tests performed in-house would be available at a 50% discount.
Subsidised rates have also been fixed for radiological investigations, with MRI scans priced at ₹2,000, CT scans at ₹600, ultrasound examinations at ₹200 and X-rays at ₹60. Medicines and consumables purchased from the hospital pharmacy will attract a 10% discount.
Patients admitted directly to intensive care units, or those transferred to ICU after admission, will receive a 50% concession on eligible hospital charges, excluding pharmacy, investigations, imaging and consumables.
“This is not a temporary offer. This scheme is here to stay,” Vice Chancellor Dr G.K. Prabhu told reporters, describing the initiative as part of the university’s effort to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare.
The announcement coincides with the hospital completing 30 years of service, the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences marking its 25th year, and commemorations linked to the legacy of the institution’s founder, Dr T.M.A. Pai.
Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean Dr Muralidhar M. Pai said the programme was designed to remove financial barriers that often discourage patients from accepting hospital admission after outpatient consultations.
“Once a patient requires admission, the cost of hospitalisation becomes a significant concern for many families. The objective is to ensure that financial constraints do not delay diagnosis or treatment,” he said.
Pai said the mandatory 72-hour admission period was intended to prevent misuse of the scheme rather than restrict access.
“A genuine inpatient episode requires time for investigations, diagnosis, initiation of treatment and assessment of response. That process generally cannot be completed in less than 72 hours,” he said.
The scheme applies only to patients admitted to general wards and excludes private room admissions, super-speciality services, Prime OPD consultations, dialysis, visiting consultant cases, hospital employees, students and patients already covered under government or private health insurance programmes, including Ayushman Bharat and ESIC.
Hospital officials said beneficiaries would not be required to register separately or obtain recommendation letters to avail the concessions, with eligibility determined during routine admission.
Patients requiring advanced treatment beyond CRH will continue to be referred through the Manipal Hospitals network, including facilities in Siliguri and Kolkata, where the institution said eligible financial support could also be explored.
The briefing was attended by Registrar Dr Karma Sonam Sherpa, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Mohonish N. Chettri, and Chief Operating Officer Subhendhu Prakash.
