Uncertainty looms over patients; dues under AB-SSBY yet to be cleared by govt

Amritsar, June 16

As many private hospitals rue that their dues have not been cleared by the government and are denying admissions under the scheme, uncertainty looms over patients who are unable to decide if they should avail benefits of free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat-Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (AB-SSBY).

The beneficiaries of the health insurance scheme for the poor are a harried lot for the past many months, as the flagship programme of the Centre had hit the rocks. The state government, apart from the eligibility criteria announced by the Centre, too had extended the benefits to many other categories. Private hospitals had earlier announced to boycott all services and admissions under the scheme in May. However, later started treatment of the card holders. IMA Amritsar Chapter president Dr RS Sethi said: “We had given a representation to three MLAs. They promised that the matter will be resolved soon.”