Ayushman scheme standoff: Patients turn to government hospitals for treatment

Patients are bearing the brunt of standoff between the government and private hospitals over the Ayushman scheme. Private hospitals empanelled under the scheme across the state have suspended treatment for Ayushman card holders since August 7.

After the suspension of treatment by private hospitals, some selective surgeries, such as cataract and orthopaedic operations, are being postponed by patients due to the strike and the rainy season. However, for emergency treatments and surgeries, patients are turning to government facilities such as Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC) and the District Civil Hospital, which are already overburdened.

“Due to the strike, I have postponed my knee joint surgery. I am waiting for private doctors to resume treatment under the Ayushman scheme, as there are not many facilities at government hospitals,” said Sahil, a city resident.

With only two operating tables serving multiple departments — one fixed for C-section surgeries and the other shared between orthopaedic, general surgery, and ENT cases on fixed days — patients are facing long waiting time at the District Civil Hospital in Karnal.

“We have two tables for surgeries in the operation theatre. One is reserved for C-section deliveries and minor surgeries, while the second is used for general surgeries as well as for orthopaedic, ENT, and others. No doubt, the number of Ayushman card holders requiring surgeries has increased due to the suspension of treatment by private hospitals, but we are trying our best to accommodate as many patients as possible,” said Dr Balwan Singh, officiating Principal Medical Officer (PMO).

Dr MK Garg, Director, KCGMC, also admitted that the number of patients under the Ayushman scheme had increased. He said the actual situation would be determined in the coming days.

Surgeries postponed

1. Some patients have postponed their elective surgeries

2. Private hospitals being served show-cause notices for denying treatment to Ayushman card holders

Meanwhile, the Ayushman Bharat Haryana Health Protection Authority (ABHHPA) has started serving show-cause notices to private doctors for denying treatment to Ayushman card holders, which has further fuelled resentment among them. Doctors remain firm on their stand not to resume treatment for Ayushman card holders until their demands are met.

“We are not only demanding clearance of our dues, but also a fair and transparent system to ensure smooth functioning of this ambitious scheme of the Union Government. We urge the government to allocate at least Rs 2,500 crore per annum so that the scheme can run effectively and people can receive the benefits for which it was started,” said Dr Mahaveer P Jain, president, Haryana chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

The national body of the IMA has also extended support to the Haryana IMA. “We have received support from the national IMA. Its president, Dr Dilip Bhanushali, sent us a letter expressing solidarity, while criticising the government for not clearing dues as well as for the poor functioning of the scheme,” Dr Jain said.

“We understand problems faced by patients, but with rising expenditures and no payments from the government, we are not in a position to run hospitals. We will continue suspension of treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme,” he said.

The state IMA president said around Rs 500 crore was pending with the government. He said the government had started disbursing some dues after the suspension of treatment by private hospitals, but the amount released so far was very miniscule.