Financial Dispute Leads to Service Denial
In a significant development impacting healthcare access in Haryana, private hospitals have taken a drastic step by refusing admission to patients covered under the Ayushman scheme and Chirayu Haryana schemes. The move, stemming from a contentious issue over pending payments, has left numerous patients in dire straits, unable to receive essential treatments.
Background of the Issue
The crux of the issue lies in the non-payment of dues by the state government to private hospitals. Reports indicate that outstanding payments amount to a staggering ₹225 crore, owed to nearly 700 private hospitals across Haryana. These hospitals, which are empanelled under both central and state government health schemes, are obligated to provide cashless treatments to beneficiaries under Ayushman Scheme and Chirayu Haryana. However, the delayed reimbursements have prompted a statewide protest by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), leading to a refusal of treatment to patients reliant on these schemes.
Impact on Patients
The ramifications of this dispute have been felt acutely by patients like Gauri, Rampal, Vicky, and many others who sought treatment at private hospitals in Jind district. These individuals, facing various medical conditions requiring immediate attention, were turned away as doctors cited unresolved payment issues. Such denials have exacerbated the plight of patients who now find themselves without recourse, unsure of where to seek the care they urgently need.
Patient Testimonies Reflect Desperation
Shamsher Singh, a resident of Chhatar village in Uchana Kalan town, shared his distressing experience after being refused treatment for a scheduled back operation. “My treatment was ongoing at a private hospital in the city. Today, doctors were supposed to conduct my spine surgery, but they refused, citing payment issues,” he lamented. Singh’s sentiments echo those of many others caught in the crossfire between healthcare providers and government authorities. He emphasized the need for a swift resolution, emphasizing that patients should not suffer due to administrative disputes.
Scale of Coverage and Benefits
The Ayushman scheme, implemented by the central government, and the Chirayu Haryana scheme, managed by the state government, collectively cover a substantial number of beneficiaries in Haryana. According to recent reports, approximately 74.33 lakh individuals are enrolled under the Chirayu scheme, while 28.89 lakh beneficiaries benefit from the Ayushman scheme within the state. Each eligible family is entitled to health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually, specifically for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
Government Response and Alternate Care Arrangements
Dr. Gopal Goyal, addressing the crisis on behalf of healthcare authorities, assured that patients denied treatment at private facilities are being redirected to government hospitals. He emphasized the commitment of medical teams to expedite care for affected individuals, ensuring that they receive necessary treatments without further delay. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the immediate impact of the service denials by private hospitals.
Assurance from Health Authorities
Dr. Ajay Mahajan, President of the IMA in Haryana, provided insights into recent discussions with Sudhir Rajpal, ACS Health, assuring that pending payments would be settled by July 15. He underscored the association’s willingness to cooperate upon receipt of official minutes from the meeting with ACS officials. This assurance signals a potential breakthrough in resolving the deadlock between private healthcare providers and government agencies, paving the way for patients to access uninterrupted medical services.
The standoff between private hospitals and the Haryana government over unpaid dues has underscored the vulnerability of healthcare services under state-sponsored schemes. While efforts are underway to address the financial impasse, the immediate concern remains the well-being of patients caught in the middle. The resolution of this crisis is crucial not only for restoring normalcy in healthcare delivery but also for upholding the fundamental right to health for all citizens covered under these vital schemes. As stakeholders continue to negotiate, the hope is for a swift resolution that prioritizes patient welfare above all else.
Join TISHHA.
