Ayushman Bharat Scheme faces setback amid payment delays

Delays in clearing dues, unexplained bill deductions and technical glitches on the Ayushman Bharat portal have sparked resentment among private hospitals in Haryana, jeopardising free treatment for poor patients under the scheme.

Private doctors treating patients under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which provides cashless treatment to eligible families, are increasingly frustrated. They had earlier suspended services for a week before the Lok Sabha elections but resumed operations after government assurances to clear pending payments.

However, as per private hospitals in Karnal, around Rs 20 crore remains unpaid for the district alone. Sources reveal similar issues across the state.

“We have no option but to stop treatment under this scheme if payments are not cleared. We must cover costs for medicines, implants, lab tests and staff salaries, but we haven’t received payments for four months,” said a senior Karnal-based doctor.

Dr Rajat Mimani, district representative for private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, highlighted the financial strain caused by delays. “The government should streamline the process for the successful implementation of this ambitious project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to provide quality healthcare to the poor,” he said.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Haryana unit has already raised the issue with the state Health Minister and the Ayushman Bharat CEO. While they received assurances of a resolution, Dr Mimani said private hospitals are now planning to meet Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to press for swift action.

Hospitals have also demanded transparency in deductions. “The department’s team approves treatments, but another team later deducts amounts from the bills without justification. This is unacceptable,” Dr Mimani added.

When contacted, Sangeeta Tetarwal, CEO of Ayushman Bharat Haryana, said efforts are being made to resolve the issue. “In 7-10 days, we will disburse the payments of doctors across the state,” she assured, adding that measures are underway to streamline the system.