The Aryavarth Express Chandigarh, April 10: A potential healthcare disruption is looming in Haryana as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) state branch has warned that empanelled hospitals may withdraw from the Ayushman Bharat scheme if pending issues are not resolved promptly.
In a letter dated April 10, 2026, addressed to the CEO of the Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Authority in Haryana, the IMA highlighted several operational and financial challenges faced by hospitals under the scheme.
The association identified delayed payments as the most pressing concern. While reimbursements are meant to be cleared within 15 days of claim submission, hospitals report that dues dating back to September 2025 remain unpaid, putting them under severe financial strain.
The IMA also pointed out that a January 2025 decision to include its representatives in empanelment and grievance committees has not yet been implemented. Additionally, these committees—expected to meet monthly—have reportedly not convened for the past five months, affecting hospital onboarding and approval of new specialties.
Amid mounting concerns, the association said that empanelled hospitals have already taken a collective stand. During an online meeting held on April 7, hospitals unanimously decided to submit surrender letters if the situation does not improve.
The IMA has urged immediate intervention from authorities, warning that hospitals may stop providing services under the scheme after April 20, 2026, if their demands remain unmet.
Such a move could significantly disrupt access to free healthcare for thousands of underprivileged patients.
Launched in 2018, the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world’s largest public healthcare scheme, offering health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to over 12 crore vulnerable households. It forms a key pillar of the broader Ayushman Bharat initiative, alongside Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, all aimed at strengthening India’s healthcare system and accessibility.
