**Title:** Haryana’s Private Hospitals Threaten to Halt Ayushman Bharat Services
**Meta Description:** Over 650 private hospitals in Haryana may stop Ayushman Bharat services due to unpaid dues exceeding Rs 500 crore, impacting healthcare access.
**URL Slug:** haryana-private-hospitals-ayushman-bharat-services
**Headline:** Haryana’s Private Hospitals Warn of Suspension of Ayushman Bharat Services Amid Unpaid Dues
In a significant setback for healthcare access in Haryana, approximately 650 private hospitals participating in the Ayushman Bharat scheme have announced their intention to stop providing treatment under the program starting midnight on August 7. This decision comes in response to the state government’s failure to settle outstanding payments exceeding Rs 500 crore. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Haryana chapter has issued a formal warning, stating that unless the government clears payments due by July 15 and fulfills prior commitments, all empanelled hospitals will suspend Ayushman services.
The IMA emphasized that if this situation arises, the responsibility for any inconvenience caused to underprivileged patients will rest entirely with the Haryana government.
**Chronic Issues Affecting the Ayushman Bharat Scheme**
The IMA Haryana has pointed to a systemic breakdown in the administration of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Since April, hospitals have reported receiving only 10-15% of their billed amounts, creating severe financial strain, particularly for smaller institutions. Key issues include:
– Over Rs 500 crore in pending dues, including older bills.
– Significant and unexplained deductions in claim settlements.
– Routine bureaucratic delays and harassment.
– Insufficient budget allocation—only Rs 800 crore of the requested Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated.
Dr. Mahaveer Jain from IMA Haryana noted that around 5 lakh individuals in the state have received Ayushman cards, with over 600 private hospitals involved. Beneficiaries are entitled to free treatment, with hospitals expecting reimbursement from the government. However, payments have ceased since March, leaving hospitals unable to operate under such financial pressure. Despite previous assurances from the government, including a meeting in January that resulted in partial payments, the majority of dues remain unsettled.
**Challenges for Smaller Hospitals and Patient Concerns**
Dr. Kuldeep Mangla, Secretary of IMA Panchkula, highlighted the difficulties faced by smaller hospitals: “We joined Ayushman Bharat out of respect for the vision of the Prime Minister. However, our bills are delayed for up to six months, particularly since March. There are arbitrary deductions, and our complaints go unanswered. Unlike larger hospitals, we lack alternative revenue sources. If this situation persists, many of us may be forced to close and seek other employment.”
The potential withdrawal of services has raised concerns among beneficiaries. Abhishek, a middle-class resident and Ayushman cardholder, expressed, “Ayushman is a tremendous help. Without it, private treatment is unaffordable for families like ours.” Ankush, who accompanied his wife Uma for treatment, added, “Millions of families rely on this scheme. We will suffer if it is discontinued.” Uma, who recently received treatment for a fractured leg, stated, “I received free treatment solely because of Ayushman. It must continue—poor people have no other options.”
**Government’s Response to the Crisis**
In response to the escalating crisis, Haryana Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao assured that the government is committed to settling the dues of all hospitals as soon as possible. Instructions for the release of payments have already been issued.
**FAQ Section**
**Q: What will happen if the private hospitals stop providing Ayushman Bharat services?**
A: If the private hospitals cease services, it will significantly impact healthcare access for many beneficiaries who rely on the scheme for free treatment, particularly among low-income families.
