Haryana, January 30:
Private hospitals in Haryana, which provide treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, are facing another financial hurdle as ₹450 crore in pending payments remain unpaid by the government. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Haryana has warned that if the dues are not cleared by February 2, around 700 hospitals across the state will suspend medical services under the scheme from February 3. This announcement was made by IMA Haryana State President Dr. Mahaveer P. Jain.
Hospitals Struggling Due to Delayed Payments
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018, provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually for underprivileged individuals. It covers a range of healthcare services, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. Haryana has approximately 1,300 hospitals enlisted under this initiative, with around 600 being private healthcare facilities. Currently, nearly 1.2 crore people in the state are registered under the scheme.
Dr. Jain stated that the decision to halt services was made due to continuous delays in payments by the state government. Private hospitals are struggling to manage operational costs without receiving their due reimbursements. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to clear pending payments to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
IMA Raises Concerns with Chief Minister
IMA officials revealed that the issue was brought to the attention of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in a recent meeting. The Chief Minister had reportedly ordered the immediate release of funds, but hospitals have yet to receive their pending payments. According to IMA Haryana Secretary Dr. Dhirendra K. Soni, another major issue is that payments approved at the district level are often reduced at the headquarters, causing further financial strain on hospitals. Additionally, delays of several months in fund disbursement have made it difficult for hospitals to sustain operations.
Key Demands by IMA
IMA Haryana has put forth the following demands to resolve the crisis:
- Immediate clearance of all pending payments.
- No deductions in approved payments from district authorities.
- Annual allocation of ₹2,000 crore in the state budget for the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Resolution of issues in the TMS Portal 2 system to streamline payment processes.
- Implementation of a structured payment schedule to avoid future delays.
Government Assures Timely Payment
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured that the government is committed to resolving the issue. He stated that as of January 26, 2025, approximately ₹760 crore had already been disbursed to hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also confirmed that the remaining ₹200 crore will be released soon to ensure that hospitals continue to provide treatment without disruptions.
With hospitals warning of service suspension, the government faces increasing pressure to act swiftly and prevent a healthcare crisis in the state.
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