650 private hospitals in Haryana to withdraw from Ayushman Bharat scheme over unpaid dues
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
In a massive blow to beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, around 650 private hospitals across Haryana are set to stop providing treatment under the programme from August 7, unless the government clears outstanding reimbursements amounting to ₹500 crore, the Indian Medical Association 's Haryana unit warned on Tuesday.Calling the situation a 'chronic breakdown' of the scheme's administration in the state, the IMA said hospitals have received only 10–15% of their billed amounts since March. The mounting dues have left many facilities cash-strapped, with some already turning away patients or dipping into internal reserves to stay afloat.'The situation is worse than before. Hospitals cannot continue offering free treatment under the scheme without timely reimbursements. We're now at a point where running the system is financially impossible,' said Dr Mahavir Jain, president of IMA (Haryana).Despite repeated appeals, the Joint CEO for Ayushman Bharat in Haryana, Ankita Adhikari, did not respond to requests for comment till Tuesday evening.Hospitals in Gurgaon — including Park Hospital, Centre for Sight, Pushpanjali Hospital, Muskaan Dentals, and Kamla Hospital — are among those planning to suspend services. A doctor at one of the facilities confirmed: 'We will stop new admissions under Ayushman Bharat from Aug 7. Emergency services will continue, but planned procedures will be on hold.'The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched by the Centre in 2018, aims to provide cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually to economically vulnerable families. However, delays in processing claims and disbursing payments have increasingly strained its implementation.The IMA had issued a similar warning earlier in January, but withdrew after government assurances. This time, doctors say they've reached a breaking point.Patients relying on the scheme fear the impact will be devastating.'This scheme saved my life during the Covid-19 pandemic, but now I am not sure if I'll get treatment when I need it,' said Kamlesh Singh, a 41-year-old driver in Gurgaon who is awaiting surgery for an ear infection.Unless the state administration intervenes swiftly, the withdrawal of private hospitals could severely limit access to critical healthcare for thousands of low-income patients across Haryana.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
10 minutes ago
- Time of India
What is Legionnaires' disease? All about the rare illness that kills 2, sickens 58 in New York City
A sudden outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem, New York City, has left two dead and 58 residents ill, according to the city's health department. This rare but serious form of pneumonia is caused by Legionella bacteria that grow in warm, wet environments like cooling towers and plumbing systems. As temperatures rise and water systems grow stagnant, these bacteria thrive in cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems. With symptoms often mistaken for the flu, quick diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment are vital. While not contagious person‑to‑person, the bacteria may spread through inhaled water vapor. Health officials are urging residents, especially those over 50, smokers, or those with lung conditions, to be alert to flu‑like symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath, and to seek medical help quickly. What causes Legionnaires' Disease? Legionnaires' disease is a type of atypical pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, most often Legionella pneumophila. These germs grow in warm water environments, including cooling towers, air-conditioning units, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and building plumbing systems. When water containing the bacteria becomes airborne as a fine mist, people can inhale it and get sick. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure, and commonly include cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and sometimes diarrhea, confusion, or loss of appetite. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person. The New York City outbreak: What happened Health officials in NYC began tracking a cluster of Legionnaires' cases in Central Harlem starting July 25, finding 22 illnesses and one death initially. By early August, the numbers had risen to 58 sickened and two confirmed deaths. The outbreak spans five ZIP codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) and neighboring communities. Health investigators traced the source to 11 contaminated cooling towers in the neighborhood. All affected towers have been cleaned and disinfected. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse urged anyone in the area with symptoms, such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or breathing difficulties, to seek medical care immediately, particularly if they are over 50, smoke, or have chronic lung issues. Common symptoms Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure but can take up to two weeks to manifest. Common warning signs include: High fever and chills Dry or productive cough Shortness of breath, chest discomfort Muscle aches, headache Digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Confusion or mental changes in severe cases Because symptoms often mimic the flu or COVID-19, doctors may begin with a chest X-ray, followed by a urinary antigen test or sputum culture to identify the bacterium. Who are at risk Certain groups face greater danger if infected: People aged 50 and older Smokers Individuals with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems Legionnaires' disease can lead to serious complications, like respiratory failure, shock, or multi-organ failure, if antibiotics are delayed. Death rates generally hover around 10%, but can rise to 25% in older adults or those with existing health issues. Diagnosis and treatment Because symptoms mimic those of common pneumonia or the flu, diagnosis may be delayed. In response to the Harlem outbreak, healthcare providers are more vigilant, and testing with urine antigen or sputum culture tests may be used for confirmation. There is no vaccine for Legionnaires' disease. However, once diagnosed, antibiotics, commonly levofloxacin, azithromycin, or doxycycline, are effective, especially when started early. Treatment length and choice depend on the patient's age and health condition; hospitalization is often required in severe cases. Prevention tips For building operators: Register and maintain cooling towers properly. Clean and disinfect towers and water systems regularly. In large buildings, flush unused taps weekly. Keep chlorine levels (pools, hot tubs, or spas) and pH regulation consistent to prevent bacterial growth. Ensure systems operate within safe temperature ranges, which is: water should ideally be above 60 °C to inhibit bacterial growth. For individuals and homeowners: Flush unused faucets or showerheads weekly. Clean or replace showerheads, water filters, and hose attachments. Set water heater temperatures to about 120°F (49 °C) to reduce bacterial growth without risk of scalding. Drain garden hoses after use and avoid storing water in open containers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cold-mist humidifiers or windshield washer fluid to avoid bacterial growth. Drivers are advised to use actual windshield washer fluid, not just water, as Legionella can grow in stagnant fluid. Rousing welcome for boy survivor of rare illness
Mint
30 minutes ago
- Mint
Is China facing outbreak of chikungunya virus? What is it? Know the symptoms
More than 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne virus have recently been reported in China's Guangdong province, marking a chikungunya outbreak in the Asian country. The outbreak has led authorities to implement measures similar to those used during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, people who have travelled from chikungunya-affected areas have been advised to self-monitor for symptoms. Restaurants and hotels have been directed to maintain hygiene and prevent mosquito breeding. Failure to do so may result in heavy fines. In Foshan city, the worst-affected area, chikungunya patients are required to remain in hospital, where their beds are covered with mosquito nets for protection. They can only be discharged either after testing negative or completing a one-week stay. Americans planning to travel to China have been urged to exercise increased caution following the outbreak of the chikungunya virus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 travel alert last week in response to the situation. Chikungunya is a viral illness spread to humans mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The warm and humid conditions during the rainy season make it easier for mosquitoes to breed. Although chikungunya is rare in China, outbreaks are more common in South and Southeast Asia, as well as parts of Africa. A key symptom of chikungunya is severe joint pain and stiffness, often affecting the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees. This joint pain is usually much worse than what is seen with other viral infections and helps doctors distinguish chikungunya from similar illnesses. In addition to joint pain, patients may also experience muscle aches, fatigue, and general weakness. A red, patchy rash can appear on the torso, limbs, or face. Symptoms typically begin three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is no cure for chikungunya, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Doctors usually recommend plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using medications like painkillers and fever reducers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be given to reduce pain and fever during the acute phase of the illness.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Kennedy Jr says US health dept will halt $500 mn funding for mRNA vaccine projects
The US Health Department will cancel $500 million worth of mRNA vaccine projects targeting COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory viruses, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday. The decision affects 22 projects. read more US President Donald Trump holds an executive order on prescription drug pricing next to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr, during a press conference in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. Reuters The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will cancel funding and contracts for several vaccine projects aimed at fighting respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday announced that 22 vaccine projects using mRNA technology, worth a total of $500 million, will be shut down. The move reflects Kennedy's long-standing skepticism about vaccines, particularly those using mRNA technology. Since taking office, Kennedy has reversed previous recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines, dismissed the expert panel responsible for vaccine advice, and refrained from strongly endorsing immunisation even as measles cases rise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a video posted on social media, Kennedy criticised mRNA vaccines and explained that the decision would impact major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, which are developing mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19, the flu, and bird flu (H5N1). 'To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we're prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and new platforms that don't fail when viruses mutate,' Kennedy said. However, public health experts strongly disagree with the move. Mike Osterholm, a leading infectious disease specialist from the University of Minnesota, called it 'the most dangerous decision in public health' he's seen in 50 years. He stressed that mRNA technology allows for faster vaccine development, which is crucial in responding to new pandemics. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said the decision is especially risky with the threat of bird flu still looming. 'mRNA vaccines have certainly saved millions of lives,' he said. Beyond infectious diseases, researchers are exploring mRNA technology for other uses, including cancer treatments. Earlier this year, tech billionaire Larry Ellison praised its potential for cancer therapy at a White House event. Unlike traditional vaccines that rely on growing viruses in eggs or cell cultures, mRNA vaccines use a snippet of genetic code to instruct the body to make a harmless piece of a virus, enough to trigger immune protection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In its statement, HHS clarified that this decision applies only to the 22 cancelled projects and does not affect other uses of mRNA technology within the department. While mRNA vaccines are already approved for COVID-19 and RSV, no flu vaccine using the technology has yet been authorised. Moderna, which is developing a combined COVID-flu mRNA shot, had said mRNA could speed up flu vaccine production compared to traditional methods.
