The Indian Medical Association’s Haryana chapter announced on Tuesday that 650 private hospitals across the state will suspend services under the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme from August 7 unless the government clears outstanding reimbursements of ₹500 crore. This is not the first warning issued by the IMA. A similar ultimatum was given earlier in January, prompting temporary resolution. However, doctors now claim the situation has deteriorated further.
Mounting Dues and Administrative Breakdown
According to IMA-Haryana officials, reimbursements since March have covered only 10-15% of the amounts billed, forcing hospitals to dip into their own reserves or deny care to patients. “The situation is worse than before. Hospitals cannot continue offering free treatment without timely payments. It is now financially unsustainable,” said Dr. Mahavir Jain, President of IMA-Haryana.
IMA officials also criticized the state’s handling of the scheme, calling it a “chronic breakdown” in administration.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Scope and Coverage
Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat aims to provide free healthcare up to ₹5 lakh annually for families with incomes below ₹2.5 lakh, as well as elderly and other eligible individuals.
Currently, 1,300 hospitals in Haryana, including 650 private ones and 60 in Gurgaon, are empanelled under the scheme. Patients receive cashless treatments while hospitals file for reimbursements through an online portal. The payments are supposed to be reviewed and cleared by a designated state agency.
Lack of Transparency and Delayed Payments
Dr. Dhirendar K Soni, Secretary of IMA-Haryana, said the state government had previously assured prompt payments following a meeting with the Chief Minister earlier this year.
“Despite the promise, delays have persisted. Worse, many reimbursements now come with unexplained, arbitrary deductions,” he said.
Hospitals Plan to Halt Admissions but Will Maintain Emergency Services
As the August 7 deadline approaches, private hospitals have begun preparing to restrict services.
“We will stop new admissions under the Ayushman Bharat scheme from August 7,” said a doctor from a Gurgaon hospital. “While emergency services will continue, all planned procedures will be put on hold.”
Patients Left in Uncertainty
Beneficiaries of the scheme have expressed deep concern over the impending disruption.
Kamlesh Singh, a 41-year-old driver in Gurgaon, shared his worries: “This scheme saved my life during the Covid-19 pandemic. But now, I’m not sure if I’ll get the surgery I need in time.”
Government Yet to Respond
Repeated attempts to reach Ankita Adhikari, Joint CEO of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Haryana, were unsuccessful as of Tuesday evening.
As reported by TOI, the standoff between private hospitals and the government threatens to derail healthcare access for over 1.8 crore registered beneficiaries in Haryana if not resolved soon.