Private hospitals to suspend Ayushman services over payment delays in Haryana

Gurgaon, India - Ayushman-empanelled private hospitals in Haryana are set to halt services under the Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Scheme for a 24-hour period starting September 1st, protesting the significant delays in claim settlement payments. The Haryana branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has sent a letter to Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Authority (AB-HPA) CEO, urging the government to resolve the payment issue.

If the situation does not improve, hospitals may withdraw from the scheme entirely from September 16th.

The letter, signed by IMA Haryana president Dr. Sunila Soni, honorary secretary Dr. Yogesh Jindal, and chairman Dr. Ajay Mahajan, highlights the hospitals' financial struggles due to unpaid claims that have exceeded six months. Despite the agreed 15-day timeline for claim clearance, the payment pendency has become a critical issue, making it difficult for hospitals to maintain Ayushman services. The association has revealed that the financial strain has led to the closure of one hospital recently.

IMA emphasizes that the continued payment delays not only impact hospitals but also affect the beneficiaries who rely on the scheme. The group expresses concerns over the scheme's credibility and sustainability, as hospitals have received assurances from the government over the past three years without any resolution. Consequently, the IMA has decided to suspend Ayushman services from midnight to midnight on September 1st to highlight the urgent need for timely payments.