Due to delay in payment in Haryana, around 150 private hospitals have been out of the panel of Ayushman Bharat scheme. Payment of ₹1,200 crore to about 500 hospitals is pending. IMA has decided not to treat cardholders on September 1.
Faridabad: The issue of delay in payment to private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Haryana is becoming serious. In the last few months, about 150 private hospitals have separated from the panel of the scheme. At the same time, around 500 private hospitals are said to be owing around ₹1,200 crore to the government. Due to payment problem, IMA has called for no treatment on September 1.
Private hospitals distanced themselves from the scheme due to delay in payment
The number of private hospitals providing treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Haryana is continuously decreasing. Hospital managements say that the government is not making timely payment after treatment. Due to this, it has become difficult for many hospitals to continue services under the scheme.
In the last few months, about 150 private hospitals have distanced themselves from the panel of Ayushman Yojana. Earlier, about 660 private hospitals in the state were on the panel of this scheme. Now due to these hospitals being outside, problems related to treatment may increase for Ayushman card holders.
Many hospital managements have informed the government about the delay in payment. They say that having to wait for payment for several months after bearing the cost of treatment is putting a strain on their financial condition.
Some hospitals cited lack of staff as the reason
Not all hospitals that have been de-empanelled have cited delay in payment as a direct reason. Some hospitals have cited other reasons including staff shortage.
Hospital managements say that in case of payment being pending for a long time, it becomes difficult for them to continue the treatment of Ayushman card holders. The financial condition of many hospitals is not such that they can bear the cost of treatment for months on their own.
IMA says that the problem of payment is being continuously raised by the hospitals. According to the organization, this issue has been discussed several times with the government and concerned authorities.
Decision not to treat Ayushman card holders on September 1
In protest against the delay in payment, the Indian Medical Association has called for not treating cardholders under the Ayushman scheme on September 1. Due to this, the beneficiaries of the scheme may have to face problems regarding treatment in private hospitals.
This decision has been informed to the CEO of Ayushman Haryana on behalf of Dr. Sunila Soni, President of IMA Haryana. State Chairman of Hospital Board of India, IMA, Dr. Ajay Mahajan said that hospitals treat patients, but the government and officials are not showing the required seriousness in the matter of payment.
IMA has also indicated that if the payment problem is not addressed by September 15, then a decision on indefinite strike can be taken.
Meeting of government and private hospitals on September 2
The government has proposed a meeting with private hospital managers on September 2 regarding the payment dispute. IMA team has also been called in the meeting.
Pending payments under the Ayushman scheme and other problems of hospitals are expected to be discussed in this meeting. Private hospitals have been demanding release of the outstanding amount for a long time.
₹1,200 crore outstanding of about 500 hospitals
According to available information, about 500 private hospitals of the state owe about ₹1,200 crore to the government under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Private hospital managements are angry as payments are pending for several months.
Hospitals say that continuous delays in payments are making it financially challenging to provide services under the scheme. For this reason many hospitals have been left out of the panel.
Civil Hospital option for cardholders
Till the situation becomes clear regarding treatment under Ayushman card in private hospitals, card holders have been advised to go to the district civil hospital. As per available information, services will be available 24 hours in civil hospitals.
In such a situation, if treatment under Ayushman Yojana in private hospitals is affected on September 1, eligible patients can avail treatment facilities in government civil hospitals.