NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana, has announced the suspension of Ayushman Bharat scheme services across the state starting February 3, due to outstanding government reimbursements totaling Rs 400 crore.
"In light of the numerous requests from all empaneled hospitals in Haryana, we are compelled to convey that unless our demands are addressed promptly, they will have no choice but to cease Ayushman services from February 3, 2025," read a statement released by the association.
Approximately 1,300 hospitals in Haryana, including 600 private institutions, are affiliated with the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Launched by the Narendra Modi government in 2018, the scheme offers free healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually, currently aiding about 1.2 crore individuals in the state.
The program encompasses a range of services from routine check-ups to surgeries and is available to families with annual incomes below Rs 2.5 lakh, as well as to the elderly and others meeting specific criteria.
Dr. Mahavir Jain, president of IMA (Haryana), stated that reimbursements to private hospitals have been pending for several months. "We demand that all payments be released immediately, as it is extremely challenging for healthcare providers to manage hospitals without adequate funds. Currently, around Rs 400 crore is outstanding. These medical bills have already been discounted by hospitals. How can they survive without receiving the minimum payments?" Dr. Jain emphasized.
The organization has outlined seven key demands, which include:
- Immediate settlement of all outstanding dues.
- Establishment of a system ensuring no deductions occur post-approval by PPD. Pre-approval should be based on validated documents, but deductions should not be permitted after approval is granted.
- As Chief Minister has shown support for this scheme, a proper annual allocation (approximately Rs 2000 crores) should be secured specifically for it.
- The TMS 2 portal has become a source of confusion and a burden for all members. It should be rectified without delay, and, until then, all operations should revert to TMS 1.
- The recently withdrawn Cash Consent Form should be reinstated immediately, as the Chief Minister of Haryana had previously agreed to its restoration.
- Several members still have pending payments from TMS 1. A roster-based hospital-wise settlement of these payments is necessary.
- Interest on delayed payments must be calculated according to the MoU and disbursed to all affected hospitals.
Association representatives noted that they raised these issues with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during a meeting earlier this month, and he instructed the swift release of funds. However, hospitals have only received a small portion of the owed amounts.
"It is regrettable that even after 15 days, our members have not received a significant payout, and the funds received have come with substantial unmerited deductions. This situation is troubling and has caused significant distress to our members," the statement concluded.
