Private hospitals barred from five more Ayushman surgeries

The Haryana Health Protection Authority (HHPA) has barred private hospitals from performing five additional procedures under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, reserving them exclusively for government hospitals. The latest restrictions apply to cataract surgery, abdominal hysterectomy, gastroenteritis treatment, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD — acute and chronic) management and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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With this move, the number of procedures reserved for public hospitals has risen from 114 to 119.

“This directive has been conveyed to all Civil Surgeons across Haryana for strict implementation,” said Sangeeta Tetarwal, CEO of Ayushman Bharat, confirming the new order. “These medical procedures have been reserved only in government institutions. Private hospitals will not conduct procedures under Ayushman Bharat,” she added.

According to the authorities, the decision is aimed at optimising the use of existing public healthcare infrastructure and reducing the financial load on the state’s health budget.

Dr Poonam Chaudhary, Civil Surgeon of Karnal, elaborated that the order has been communicated to private hospitals via the Indian Medical Association (IMA). “Private hospitals can continue to perform these surgeries independently, but they will not be covered or reimbursed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme,” she said. “This is not the first time such a step has been taken. Several procedures had already been reserved for public hospitals in earlier phases.”

Dr Chaudhary emphasised that the step is also intended to encourage more citizens to avail services at government healthcare facilities.

However, the directive has stirred resentment among private healthcare providers. Dr Deepak Prakash, president of the Karnal IMA, said, “There is resentment among private doctors regarding this order. We are in touch with the state body and will take a final call after detailed discussion.”