In a major crackdown, authorities have suspended 84 hospitals across Uttar Pradesh including four private hospitals in Bareilly from the Ayushman Bharat scheme effectively halting free treatment for beneficiaries at these facilities. The action was taken after these hospitals failed to migrate to the mandatory Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM) 2.0 portal despite repeated instructions from the state’s implementing agency. Hospitals were required to upload complete details of their infrastructure, doctors, staff and medical services on the upgraded system within a stipulated deadline.
Officials said that failure to comply with the new digital system led to their suspension from the scheme. As a result Ayushman card holders will no longer be able to avail free treatment at these hospitals during the suspension period. Any treatment provided will not be reimbursed under the scheme. Among the affected facilities four private hospitals in Bareilly have been specifically named in the action. The move is expected to impact a significant number of patients who relied on these hospitals for cashless treatment under the government health insurance programme.
The suspension is part of a broader statewide action with the highest number of affected hospitals reported from Lucknow followed by districts such as Ghaziabad, Bijnor, Prayagraj and Farrukhabad. Health officials clarified that the suspension is temporary and hospitals may be reinstated once they complete the required migration and comply with the updated guidelines. However, until then patients will have to seek treatment at other empanelled hospitals.
The development has raised concerns about access to affordable healthcare particularly for economically weaker sections who depend heavily on the Ayushman Bharat scheme for free medical services. Experts say that while strict compliance is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability sudden suspension of hospitals may disrupt treatment continuity for many patients.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, one of the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programmes provides free treatment coverage to millions of eligible families. The latest action underscores the government’s push toward digital compliance and stricter monitoring of empanelled healthcare providers.