The Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, is currently in deep trouble. This initiative aims to provide families with health coverage up to ₹5 lakh each year. However, reports reveal that over 32,000 hospitals across India are facing debts exceeding ₹1.21 lakh crore. These hospitals, including both private and public entities, are located in various states, such as Haryana, Manipur, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Crisis in Haryana
In Haryana, the situation is particularly alarming. More than 600 private hospitals have stopped participating in the Ayushman scheme since August, citing unpaid bills of ₹500 crore. Those who remain on board are also threatening to withdraw. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed outrage, even burning their agreements with the government in protest.
Reasons Behind the Crisis
Doctors are blaming bureaucratic delays for these payment issues. Dr. Suresh Arora, president of the Haryana Ayushman Samiti, mentioned that there are major systemic problems preventing timely fund disbursement. He attributes this crisis to a constant budget mismatch and insufficient funds.
Adding to the chaos, a new state program, the Chirayu Yojana, launched in 2022, has greatly increased the number of beneficiaries. This program covers families with annual incomes up to ₹1.8 lakh, expanding coverage from 40 lakh to approximately 1.4 crore people in Haryana.
Impact on Patients
Patients are feeling the consequences of this crisis. For instance, Jameel, a cancer patient at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, worries about getting his chemotherapy. His family, relying on the Ayushman scheme, finds themselves in a difficult position as some hospitals are refusing to accept patients with Ayushman cards.
Government’s Response
In light of these issues, Ankita Adhikari, joint CEO of Ayushman Bharat Haryana, acknowledged delays in payments but pointed fingers at hospitals not following guidelines. She hinted that the government plans to ask for additional funds in the next assembly session.
A Widespread Issue
This crisis isn’t limited to Haryana. States like Manipur, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir are experiencing similar payment problems, with hospitals threatening to suspend services due to unpaid dues. Recently, Chhattisgarh penalized 33 private hospitals for submitting false claims under the scheme.
Additionally, a National Health Authority report indicated that Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka rank among the top states for hospital admissions under Ayushman Bharat, highlighting the scheme’s widespread reach.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is at a crossroads. With growing discontent among hospitals and patients alike, both the government and healthcare providers must come together to resolve these urgent financial issues. Improved transparency and timely fund allocation will be essential to restore faith in the system and ensure patients receive the care they need.
For further insights on the Ayushman Bharat scheme and its impacts, visit the National Health Authority’s official site.
