Punjab Govt Approaches Center over Ayushman Dues

The AB-PMJAY scheme is a critical part of India's healthcare system, providing up to INR 5 Lakh in cashless treatment per family each year.

The Punjab Government has approached the Union Health Ministry to resolve the issue of delayed payments under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

Private hospitals in Punjab, through the Private Hospital and Nursing Home Association (PHANA) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), have reported that they have owed INR 600 Cr over the past six months.

PHANA President Vikas Chabra revealed payments have been delayed for six months despite assurances from state officials.

Dr Divyanshu Gupta, PHANA's secretary, added that hospitals are struggling with operational costs, vendor issues, and loans. The suspension impacts 600 hospitals.

However, days back, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh denied claims made by private hospitals. According to Singh, the total pending payments to both public and private hospitals amount to INR 364 Cr.

Singh clarified that the outstanding amount consists of INR 166.67 Cr owed to public hospitals and INR 197 Cr owed to private hospitals.

Due to these payment delays, private hospitals have temporarily suspended treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

The AB-PMJAY scheme is a critical part of India's healthcare system, providing up to INR 5 Lakh in cashless treatment per family each year.

Punjab integrated its state health insurance with AB-PMJAY in 2019, creating the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (AB-PMJAY MMSBY).

This covers treatment in both government and private hospitals across the state. However, hospitals in Punjab are facing significant payment delays, leading to disruptions in services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Health Ministry officials stated that the Punjab Government will submit updated audit reports to address the issue.

Currently, audit reports have been provided up to 2020-21. Under the Ayushman Bharat program, the Center and state share the scheme’s cost in a 60:40 ratio.

Meanwhile, Odisha is expected to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme, along with Delhi and West Bengal, providing INR 5 Lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

As of September 1, more than 29,600 hospitals, including over 12,600 private ones, have been impaneled under AB-PMJAY.

Recently, the AB PM-JAY, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, marked its sixth anniversary on Monday.

To commemorate the occasion, the Ministry of Health shared a message on social media platform X, stating, "Celebrating 6 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY! Here's to 6 years of making healthcare affordable for millions. Each Ayushman card represents hope and access to quality care. Let's continue to strive for a healthier India where everyone thrives!"

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