IMA threatens to halt Ayushman Bharat services over dues
The Haryana chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a warning to halt treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme starting February 3, citing delayed reimbursement of around Rs 400 crore. This decision could potentially disrupt healthcare services for approximately 1.2 crore beneficiaries in the state.
Around 600 private hospitals, part of the 1,300 hospitals empanelled under the scheme in Haryana, have alleged that financial constraints caused by prolonged delays in payment have made it unfeasible to continue offering treatment.
“Our payments should be released immediately as it is exceedingly difficult for doctors to operate hospitals without funds. Around Rs 400 crore is pending. These medical bills are already discounted by the hospitals. The government and patients expect world-class treatment, but how will the hospitals even survive if they do not get the bare minimum to sustain themselves? Every empanelled private hospital in Haryana has received just 10-15% of the reimbursement bills raised with the government,” said Dr Mahavir Jain, president of IMA (Haryana).
The IMA has already submitted a warning letter to the state health authorities. In response, Health Minister Arti Rao assured that the government is addressing the issue. “Yes, they have approached us and we are clearing the legitimate reimbursements soon. We are in touch with the association and treatment will not be disrupted. Any discrepancies between the department and hospitals over payment will be resolved soon,” she told The Tribune.
However, association members expressed dissatisfaction, stating that despite raising the issue with CM Nayab Singh Saini earlier this month and receiving assurances of immediate fund release, hospitals have only received a fraction of their dues.
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which offers coverage for everything from routine tests to surgeries, is designed to support families with annual incomes below Rs 2.5 lakh and senior citizens. Hospitals file reimbursement claims for treated patients through an online portal, with payments supposed to be cleared by the state government.
Private hospitals, especially smaller facilities, are feeling the brunt of the crisis. “The majority of beneficiaries under this scheme, who would normally visit government hospitals for regular ailments, now come to private hospitals. We are expected to provide the best treatment and run all tests, but our bills are pending for months. It’s impossible to run hospitals without funds. For small facilities like ours, with just 70 beds, the situation is even worse. We’ve incurred debts because we only receive a fraction of our claims,” said an IMA member from Gurugram.
The 60 private hospitals in Gurugram, considered Haryana’s medical hub, are among those severely impacted. The association has reiterated its demand for immediate release of pending payments to prevent disruption in services for millions of beneficiaries.
