HC Reprimands Punjab Govt for Withholding Ayushman Bharat Funds

The court expressed concern over the misuse of funds, stating that such actions typically warrant strict measures against officials responsible for diverting the money.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has reprimanded the Punjab government for not releasing funds to private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, despite receiving INR 350 Cr from the Center.

The court ordered the attachment of the salaries of senior officials, including Kumar Rahul, the Principal Secretary of the Punjab Health Department, in response to the government's failure to disburse the funds.

The High Court further observed that the state government, after receiving money for a specified purpose, is merely the custodian of the funds and must release it to the rightful beneficiaries.

The court added that the government cannot withhold or misappropriate the funds, leaving citizens to fight for their dues.

Petition Filed for Pending Ayushman Bharat Funds

The case arose after empaneled private hospitals, which treat patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, approached the High Court seeking the release of their pending dues.

These hospitals admit patients and subsequently submit claims for medical expenses to the State Health Agency under Punjab's Department of Health and Family Welfare.

The court expressed concern over the misuse of funds, stating that such actions typically warrant strict measures against officials responsible for diverting the money.

However, before taking any disciplinary steps, the court has requested a detailed response from the Punjab government.

The High Court has asked the state government to submit an affidavit within two weeks, explaining how the funds received from the Center since December 2021 have been utilized.

"Ordinarily, such action would call for stern orders against erring officials who misdirected funds for unauthorized use. However, before proposing any action, it is deemed expedient to seek a detailed response from the state on financial reimbursement received by it from Centre from Dec 2021 until now and how that money has been utilized," the HC order said.

Additionally, the state must clarify whether the funds were used for their intended purposes. The court also requested details of payments made to hospitals from December 2021 to September 2024, including the dates of disbursement.

This case highlights the importance of proper fund utilization and accountability in welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

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