CHANDIGARH: Free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at private hospitals across Haryana is set to be disrupted today as hospital operators begin a strike over delays in the payment of pending claims.

The strike is expected to directly affect poor and needy patients who rely on the government-backed health insurance scheme for cashless treatment at empanelled private hospitals. Patients may have to seek alternative facilities or, in some cases, pay for treatment out of their own pockets.

Hospitals Claim Massive Payments Are Pending
Private hospital operators said a substantial amount of money owed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme has remained unpaid for several months.

They claimed that private hospitals in Haryana are facing a severe financial crisis because of the prolonged delay in settling their claims.

In Hisar alone, private hospitals have claimed that around Rs 1,200 crore in Ayushman-related payments remains outstanding.

Hospital operators said they had repeatedly approached the authorities seeking a solution, but the issue remained unresolved, leaving them with little option but to launch the protest.

Hospitals Allege Unnecessary Deductions and Delays
Private hospitals across the state have claimed that billions of rupees in Ayushman Bharat claims have been pending for months.

Hospital operators have also alleged that unnecessary deductions are made from claims and that payments are delayed without adequate justification.

Doctors and hospital managements are demanding that claims be settled within a fixed time frame after treatment so that hospitals can maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

They argue that prolonged delays in reimbursement are putting considerable financial pressure on private healthcare providers.

New Ayushman Admissions to Remain Suspended
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Private Hospitals Association have said that new admissions and free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will remain suspended until the government provides a concrete assurance regarding the speedy payment of outstanding dues.

The position regarding emergency services, however, may vary from one hospital or locality to another.

Poor Patients Likely to Face the Biggest Impact
The strike could create significant difficulties for economically vulnerable patients who depend on Ayushman Bharat for treatment at private hospitals.

With new admissions under the scheme being suspended, beneficiaries may have to search for alternative hospitals or face additional expenses if they are unable to access cashless treatment.

The situation is likely to depend on negotiations between the government and private hospital representatives. A quick resolution on the issue of pending claims could help restore Ayushman Bharat services and prevent further disruption for beneficiaries.