The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a warning to the Haryana government stating that 600 private hospitals may stop participating in the Ayushman Bharat scheme due to unpaid reimbursements worth Rs 450 crore. Despite a meeting between IMA representatives and Chief Minister Nayab Saini, the issue remains unresolved and the IMA has expressed concern over delays and unexplained deductions in payments. In response, the Chief Minister assured that Rs 766 crore has been disbursed and the remaining Rs 200 crore will be cleared. The potential suspension of Ayushman Bharat services by private hospitals could have a major impact on healthcare access for 1.2 crore beneficiaries in Haryana, highlighting the growing tension over delayed payments in the healthcare sector.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a stern warning to the Haryana government, threatening to cease participation in the Ayushman Bharat scheme due to pending reimbursements worth Rs 450 crore. This move could jeopardize healthcare access for millions of beneficiaries.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018 by the Government of India, provides health insurance coverage to families below the poverty line. Private hospitals participate in the scheme by providing cashless treatment to beneficiaries. In return, the government reimburses hospitals for the costs incurred.
In Haryana, over 600 private hospitals have been participating in the scheme. However, delays in reimbursements and unexplained deductions in payments have been a persistent issue, resulting in mounting financial strain for hospitals.
According to the IMA, reimbursements worth Rs 450 crore are pending from the Haryana government. Despite repeated assurances from the government, the issue remains unresolved. The IMA has expressed concern over the impact on healthcare services if private hospitals withdraw from the scheme.
In response, Chief Minister Nayab Saini has assured that Rs 766 crore has already been disbursed and the remaining Rs 200 crore will be cleared soon. However, the IMA maintains that these payments are insufficient to cover the outstanding dues.
The potential suspension of Ayushman Bharat services by private hospitals could have a devastating impact on healthcare access for 1.2 crore beneficiaries in Haryana. Many of these beneficiaries rely on the scheme for critical treatments that they would otherwise be unable to afford.
The IMA has urged the Haryana government to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and ensure timely reimbursement of hospitals. Failure to do so could jeopardize the health and well-being of lakhs of people.
What is the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
Why are private hospitals threatening to withdraw from the scheme in Haryana?
How many beneficiaries will be affected if private hospitals withdraw?
What has the Haryana government said about the issue?
What is the IMA's response to the government's assurances?
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