The healthcare crisis for the economically weaker sections in Panipat deepened today as private hospitals refused to admit patients under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Local doctors gathered to protest against the government’s failure to clear long-standing dues, even going as far as symbolic protests like burning copies of their Memorandums of Understanding (MoU).
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The Financial Standoff: IMA Panipat President Dr. Jasbeer Malik noted that around 60 empanelled hospitals in the district have halted surgeries and admissions under the scheme. Nationwide, the IMA claims the Haryana government owes private hospitals approximately ₹500 to ₹600 crore, with some payments pending for over a year.
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Impact on Patients: Routine surgeries for the poor have come to a standstill. Patients arriving with Ayushman cards are being turned away or referred to the Civil Hospital, which is currently struggling with a massive influx of patients diverted from the private sector.
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Doctors’ Demands: Beyond the immediate release of funds, the IMA is demanding a 1% interest per week on delayed payments, a rollback of “illogical” claim deductions, and a more transparent online grievance portal.
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Government Response: While the State Health Agency claims to have disbursed over ₹240 crore recently, doctors argue this is a mere fraction of what is owed and does not cover the daily billing of nearly ₹5–7 crore generated across the state.
Current Status: A high-level meeting between the IMA and the Chief Secretary is scheduled for tomorrow in Chandigarh. Until a concrete written assurance is provided, the strike in Panipat and other districts is expected to continue.
