Haryana Hospitals Halt Ayushman Bharat Services Over Unpaid Dues
The Indian Medical Association in Haryana has suspended Ayushman Bharat health services, citing nearly Rs 490 crore in unpaid dues. Despite government assurances, private hospitals face months of delayed payments, leading to potential healthcare access issues for over 1.2 crore enrollees. Government efforts to resolve the crisis continue.
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In a significant move, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Haryana has decided to suspend Ayushman Bharat health services, citing non-payment of dues to private hospitals. The decision follows an official meeting between IMA and Ayushman Bharat Haryana High Authority, suggesting a tense standoff between private healthcare providers and the state government.
The meeting highlighted a pressing issue: While Rs 245 crore has been allocated, only Rs 175 crore stems from Haryana's share, and the remainder, Rs 70 crore, comes from the Central government. However, with arrears amounting to Rs 490 crore still pending, IMA officials expressed deep concerns. Haryana's ACS Sudhir Rajpal indicated an intent to seek additional funds in an upcoming Vidhan Sabha session.
Complicated further by delayed payments, with some hospitals waiting up to five months, approximately 650-700 private hospitals in Haryana have planned to withdraw from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. With over 1.2 crore residents reliant on these services, the withdrawal may strain public healthcare facilities. The government remains optimistic but faces trust challenges from hospitals citing historical unmet promises.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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