Haryana Hospitals Suspend Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Private hospitals in Haryana, part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, have suspended services due to unresolved financial issues with the state government. The suspension, effective from midnight on August 6, stems from unpaid dues totaling Rs 490 crore and insufficient budget allocations. This decision impacts 650 hospitals across the state, affecting healthcare access for over 1.8 crore beneficiaries, including low-income families and senior citizens.

Impact on Healthcare Access

The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) aims to provide universal health coverage, offering up to Rs 5 lakh annually in cashless hospitalization to nearly 55 crore economically disadvantaged individuals. However, the suspension in Haryana threatens to disrupt this service for the bottom 40 percent of India’s population. On August 2, around 650-700 private hospitals announced their exit from the scheme due to unpaid dues.

Government’s Response and Challenges

Ankita Adhikari, Joint CEO of Ayushman Bharat Haryana, acknowledged delays in processing claims amounting to Rs 470 crore. She cited a stringent 15-day turnaround time as a significant challenge, causing backlogs when hospitals fail to submit necessary documents. Despite ongoing efforts to process claims, not all hospitals have suspended services yet.

Financial Allocations and Future Plans

A recent meeting revealed that Rs 245 crore has been allocated for this quarter, with contributions from both the Haryana and central governments. However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) highlighted that Rs 490 crore remains unpaid. The government plans to request additional funds during the upcoming monsoon session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Recurring Issues and Demands

This marks the fourth suspension by private hospitals due to unpaid dues. IMA Haryana demands a budget allocation of Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 crore for uninterrupted services and an interest penalty on delayed payments. Other states like Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan face similar challenges with the scheme.

Hospitals’ Stance and Future Actions

The IMA Haryana chapter formalized the suspension in a letter, expressing regret over unresolved grievances. A review is scheduled for August 14 to decide on resuming services or escalating protests. Hospital directors emphasize their unwillingness to suspend services but stress the need for adequate funding and rational reimbursement rates.