Private hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Haryana have announced a 24-hour suspension of services on September 1, citing prolonged delays in the settlement of healthcare claims. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana, has warned that hospitals could take a more drastic step and withdraw completely from the scheme if the payment situation does not improve.
Six-Month Payment Delays Trigger Protest
According to the IMA Haryana, payments against Ayushman claims have remained pending for more than six months, creating severe financial pressure on empanelled hospitals. The association said this was despite an agreed timeline of 15 days for clearing eligible claims.
The prolonged delays have reportedly made it increasingly difficult for private hospitals to continue providing treatment under the government-funded health scheme.
Services to Remain Suspended on September 1
As a symbolic protest, Ayushman-empanelled private hospitals in Haryana will suspend scheme-related services from midnight to midnight on September 1.
The IMA said the move is aimed at drawing the attention of the Haryana government, health authorities and the media to the financial challenges faced by hospitals because of unpaid claims.
Complete Withdrawal May Follow
The association has also issued a stronger warning. If the government fails to substantially improve the payment situation, participating hospitals may consider withdrawing completely from the Ayushman scheme from September 16.
IMA Haryana has urged the Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Authority, Haryana (AB-HPA), to clear all outstanding dues immediately and establish a sustainable mechanism to ensure timely settlement of future claims.
Hospitals Under Growing Financial Pressure
In its August 27 letter to the CEO of AB-HPA, IMA Haryana said hospitals had received repeated assurances regarding payment issues over the past three years, but the problem had continued.
The association also claimed that the financial strain had recently contributed to the closure of a hospital, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Concern Over Impact on Beneficiaries
The dispute could also affect patients who rely on Ayushman Bharat for cashless healthcare. IMA Haryana cautioned that prolonged payment delays could reduce the availability of services for economically vulnerable beneficiaries across the state.
The association has therefore called for urgent intervention to resolve the pending claims and protect the long-term sustainability of the scheme in Haryana.
