The Ayushman Bharat Scheme, a flagship healthcare initiative by the Central Government, is facing serious challenges in Haryana. Private hospitals in the state have threatened to halt services under the scheme starting February 3, 2025, citing unpaid dues of Rs 400 crore. This decision could severely impact the healthcare access of over 1.2 crore beneficiaries in the state.
Why Are Private Hospitals Protesting?
The Haryana chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing 600 private hospitals, has announced the suspension of Ayushman Bharat services due to delayed payments by the state government. Hospitals have been struggling with months-long delays in reimbursements, leaving them unable to manage operational expenses.
Dr. Mahavir Jain, President of IMA Haryana, expressed the frustration of hospital administrators and doctors, saying:
“It is nearly impossible to run hospitals without necessary funds. Around ₹400 crore is pending. If we don’t get even the minimum payments on time, how can we continue treating patients?”
Financial Strain on Hospitals
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, hospitals submit reimbursement claims for treatments provided to eligible patients. These claims are processed online, and the government is responsible for approving and disbursing funds.
However, IMA officials have highlighted that hospitals have only received 10-15% of their submitted bills, leading to a financial crisis. Many hospitals are now struggling to pay salaries, procure essential medical supplies, and cover operational costs.
A hospital administrator in Gurgaon explained:
“New bills keep adding up while old payments remain pending. The slow reimbursement process is making it hard to sustain our operations.”
Government’s Response to the Crisis
The issue was brought to the attention of Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, in a recent meeting. He reportedly directed officials to release the funds immediately.
Despite these assurances, hospitals have received only a partial payment so far. Dr. Dhirendra K Soni, Secretary of IMA Haryana, expressed disappointment, stating:
“Even after 15 days, there has been no significant progress. The amount received so far includes unjustified deductions, adding to our frustrations.”
On the other hand, Ankita Adhikari, Joint CEO of Ayushman Bharat (Haryana), remains optimistic. Speaking to the media, she said:
“The process of releasing funds has already begun. We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved within a week, and such drastic measures won’t be necessary.”
Impact on Ayushman Bharat Beneficiaries
The potential suspension of services by private hospitals poses a serious threat to beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Haryana.
Who Will Be Affected?
- Over 1.2 crore people in Haryana are enrolled in the scheme.
- Beneficiaries include families with an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh, as well as senior citizens and other eligible individuals.
What Services Will Be Halted?
- Services covered under the scheme include routine check-ups, diagnostic tests, and surgeries.
- Beneficiaries are entitled to free treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh annually per family.
Healthcare Access at Risk:
- With 600 private hospitals threatening to stop services, patients may face difficulties accessing healthcare.
- The remaining 700 government hospitals may not have the capacity to handle the additional patient load.
What Needs to Be Done?
To prevent a complete disruption of healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Haryana, the following steps are critical:
Immediate Release of Pending Dues:
The government must prioritize clearing the Rs 400 crore backlog to ensure hospitals can continue operations.
Streamlining Reimbursement Processes:
- Implement faster approval and payment mechanisms to avoid future delays.
- Reduce bureaucratic hurdles in processing claims.
Transparent Communication:
Hospitals and government officials must maintain open communication to resolve disputes over deductions and other issues.
Support for Private Hospitals:
- Introduce interim financial assistance for hospitals facing acute cash flow problems.
- Offer incentives to encourage private hospitals to stay within the scheme.
About Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme is one of the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programs. It aims to provide free health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually, targeting economically weaker sections of society.
Key Features:
- Covers a wide range of medical services, from routine check-ups to major surgeries.
- Beneficiaries can access services at both government and empaneled private hospitals.
- Helps reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for low-income families.
Looking Ahead
The Ayushman Bharat scheme has been a game-changer for millions of families, but challenges like payment delays threaten its success. As Haryana’s private hospitals prepare to halt services, urgent action from the government is needed to protect the interests of both healthcare providers and beneficiaries.
For now, all eyes are on the state government’s ability to resolve the issue and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the people of Haryana.
