Expressing serious concerns over the challenges faced by Ayushman Bharat-empaneled hospitals, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Haryana has warned that hospitals may be forced to withdraw from the scheme.
The state body has written to the CEO of the Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Authority, seeking urgent intervention and cautioning that hospitals may discontinue services under the scheme after April 20 if the issues remain unresolved.
Dr Sunila Soni, President of IMA Haryana, highlighted the severe financial strain caused by delayed payments. "Payments are supposed to be cleared within 15 days of filing, but even claims from September 2025 are still pending. Queries are raised, and even after they are resolved, payments are not released. Hospitals are under extreme financial stress," she said.
Another key concern raised by the association is the non-implementation of the Chief Minister's January 2025 directive to include the IMA Haryana president or a representative in empanelment and grievance committees.
"The CM's order has not yet been implemented. Monthly meetings of these committees, meant to address new empanelments and specialty approvals, have not been held for the past five months," she added.
Amid growing frustration, empaneled hospitals held an online meeting on April 7, where they unanimously decided to submit surrender letters to the IMA Haryana president.
The IMA has urged the CEO to take immediate steps to clear pending payments, implement committee decisions, and resume regular grievance meetings. Without prompt action, the association warns that hospitals may no longer be able to sustain Ayushman services, potentially affecting thousands of patients who depend on the scheme for affordable healthcare.