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NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Medical Body IMA Flags Over Rs 1.21 Lakh Crore Unpaid Bills Under Ayushman Bharat
Over 9.84 crore hospital admissions have been approved under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), with payments exceeding Rs 1.40 lakh crore, the government informed parliament on Friday. The scheme, focused on universal health coverage, offers up to Rs 5 lakh annually in cashless hospitalisation to nearly Rs 55 crore economically weaker individuals, covering the bottom 40% of India's population. More than 41 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, with Uttar Pradesh leading at 5.33 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. Lakshadweep issued the fewest at 36,000. The scheme works through 31,466 hospitals, including over 14,000 private facilities, under Trust, Insurance, or Hybrid models, allowing state-specific flexibility. However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised serious concerns in a white paper to the National Health Authority (NHA). They highlighted problems such as delayed payments, low reimbursement rates, and complicated claim processes that threaten hospital finances. In Gujarat, Rs 300 crore in claims from 2021 to 2023 remain unpaid. Only 5% of these claims have been settled within the required 15 days. In Kerala, there are Rs 400 crore in pending dues, and nationwide over Rs 1.21 lakh crore in claims (64 lakh cases) are still outstanding, according to an RTI. The IMA also pointed out that package rates are too low and do not cover treatment costs, especially for complex procedures in private tertiary hospitals. "IMA should be invited while deciding rates, packages and we should ensure timely payments, ease of claims and simplfied procedures," IMA national president Dr Dilip Bhanushali told NDTV. Uniform pricing discourages high-quality hospitals, resulting in only 67 of Delhi's 1,000+ private hospitals participating due to operational and financial challenges. Claim rejections caused by technical errors further increase revenue losses. IMA Recommendations: - Automate payments and create real-time tracking for transparency. - Revise reimbursement rates to reflect actual costs, updating them regularly. - Simplify claim documentation and provide 24/7 digital support (e.g., WhatsApp, SMS). - Set up grievance redressal at district, state, and national levels. - Incentivise accredited and rural hospitals with higher payments and faster approvals. - Move to direct benefit transfers using fintech, avoiding third-party intermediaries, to improve efficiency and sustainability. - Encourage competition and address market failures, reducing payor biases and oligopsony effects that threaten small and mid-size providers. Minister Prataprao Jadhav acknowledged implementation challenges in the Rajya Sabha, urging states to adjust models for better efficiency. The IMA's white paper, submitted to the Rajya Sabha Standing Committee on Health, is awaiting a response from the NHA. Doctors warn that without reforms, the scheme's aim of providing free, quality healthcare for India's poorest is at risk.
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
"Delhi govt working to ensure right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme": JP Nadda
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Union Health Minister JP Nadda expressed his satisfaction over the the BJP-led Delhi government in ensuring that every person gets the 'right to be healthy,' as he distributed appointment letters to Delhi Nursing Officers and Paramedical staff and flagged off Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan on Sunday. Nadda underlined that Delhi observes the highest healthcare load as people across the country come to Delhi for treatment, and earlier, the healthcare system faced negligence. He commended the efforts of the current Delhi government for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and implementing Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) and Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM- ABHIM). According to an official statement from the health ministry, the letters were distributed in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Ministers of Government of NCT Delhi, Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister, Health and Family Welfare & Transport and Information Technology, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Minister, Social Welfare, Welfare for SC & ST, Cooperative and Election and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister, Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment, Forest & Wild Life, Members of Parliament (Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Praveen Khandelwal, Yogender Chandolia and Bansuri Swaraj). He stated that 'under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayushman Vay Vandana was introduced to ensure healthcare to the senior citizens above the age of 70. The Delhi government is working in this direction of ensuring the right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Vay Vandana. To date, 4 lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued in Delhi, with 2 lakh cards issued under Vay Vandana.' He urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM in Delhi and fulfil the target of opening 1100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs by March 31, 2026, the statement mentioned. Nadda underlined that 'in 1997, the Health Policy focused primarily on curative care, while under the visionary leadership of PM, the New Health Policy 2017 was introduced with a philosophy of comprehensive care--preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative-- with a special focus on geriatric care. As per the statement, Nadda emphasised the important role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in providing equal, affordable and accessible healthcare for all. He highlighted that 'special emphasis is being given to preventive healthcare under which initiatives for early diagnosis for different diseases have been undertaken. We are focusing on screenings of individuals over the age of 30 and working towards stalling the spread of diseases through early diagnosis. Till now, 18 crore screenings for hypertension, 17 crore screenings for diabetes, 15 crore screenings for oral cancer, 7.5 crore screenings for breast cancer and 4.5 crore screenings for cervical cancer have been conducted.' Highlighting the strides made in the direction of maternal and child care, Nadda highlighted that 'through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, from conception to childbirth to early childhood care is being provided. Regular checkups and immunisations have led to significant improvements. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 130 to 88 per lakh live births while Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropped from 39 to 26. Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has declined at a rate of 42% while the global decline is 14%. The neonatal mortality rate has declined by 40% rate while the global average decline was 11%.' The Union Minister also added that 'TB incidence has reduced by 17.7%, which is more than double the global decline rate of 8.3%, which is confirmed by the WHO Global TB Report 2024.' Highlighting the substantial growth in medical education and infrastructure. Nadda stated that 'earlier India only had 7 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) till 2014, but today, 20 AIIMS are operational. The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to 780; the number of medical seats has increased from 51,000 to 1,18,000. Aiming for a total increase of 75,000 seats over the next five years.' Commending the initiative of Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, Shri Nadda stated that 'running of 70 specially designed Vans in all assembly constituencies is a novel initiative in order to cover all eligible beneficiaries of PM Jan Arogya Scheme. 20 specially designed mobile vans are being flagged off. 70 such Vans will cover 70 assembly constituencies where they will collect and generate data for issuance of Ayushman Card and register the beneficiaries at their doorsteps.' Shri Nadda also highlighted the importance of the nursing and paramedical staff in the healthcare landscape and urged the newly appointed officers present to work with dedication and empathy towards implementing the healthcare schemes. Speaking on the occasion,. Rekha Gupta stated, 'Till now, 4 lakh Ayushman cards have been distributed under the Ayushman Arogya Yojana, which includes 2 lakh Vay Vandana Cards issued to the senior citizens of Delhi. A total of 2,258 individuals has already received medical treatment 108 hospitals of Delhi have been empanelled under the scheme.' She also informed that 'by 31st March 2026, a total of 1100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) will be established in Delhi using the 1700 crore Rupees allocated for Delhi under PM-ABHIM. 100 AAMs are ready, out of which 34 have already been inaugurated, and the rest will be launched this month only. The Delhi government is working with a goal of inaugurating 100 AAMs every month, with 15 AAMs in each Assembly constituency and 150 in each parliamentary constituency.' CM Gupta also underlined that 'every hospital of Delhi has a Jan Aushadhi Kendra now that ensures access to medicines to all.' She also highlighted the efforts of the Delhi government to ensure transparency in the healthcare system while keeping corruption at bay. Following sustained efforts by all stakeholders, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, NCT Delhi, has issued Offers of Appointment to 1,388 Nursing Officers and 41 Paramedical Officers selected through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB). Till now, 1,270 candidates have accepted the offers, and their document verification process is currently underway. As of July 3, 2025, 557 Nursing Officers and 20 Paramedical Officials have successfully completed document verification. This significant recruitment drive is expected to address the acute shortage of nursing and paramedical staff in Delhi's hospitals to a great extent. In parallel, continuous efforts are being made to fill all existing and anticipated vacancies of doctors, nursing, and paramedical staff arising due to retirements, promotions, and the creation of new posts. These actions are being undertaken proactively and simultaneously. (ANI)
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Delhi Health Minister slams previous AAP govt for failure to fill vacancies
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Sunday hit out at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failure to give appointment letters to hospital staff in the city, due to which the medical services deteriorated over the years. He said after a gap of 15 years, appointment letters were issued to nursing officers and allied healthcare professionals in the city. 'It is a matter of pride that our government is addressing the staff shortage that came to our notice after government formation,' Singh told IANS, assuring that the Rekha Gupta government is committed to working closely with the medical department officials and staff to improve facilities in the city. He was speaking to reporters after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda handed over appointment letters to 1,388 Nursing Officers and 41 Allied Healthcare Professionals. The Delhi Health Minister said this recruitment of nurses should have been done five years ago, but the previous government failed to do so. Giving an update on the free medical insurance for 70-plus citizens, the Health Minister said the Delhi government has managed to issue over two lakh cards under the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). Earlier, Nadda said, 'The Delhi government is working in the direction of ensuring the right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Vay Vandana. Till date, 4 lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued in Delhi, with 2 lakh cards issued under Vay Vandana.' He urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM in Delhi and fulfil the target of opening 1,100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs till 31st March, 2026. Flagging off 20 Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, he said, 'Running 70 specially designed Vans in all Assembly constituencies is a novel initiative in order to cover all eligible beneficiaries of PM Jan Arogya Scheme.' 'Twenty specially designed mobile vans are being flagged off. Seventy such Vans will cover 70 Assembly constituencies where they will collect and generate data for issuance of Ayushman Card and register the beneficiaries at their doorsteps,' he said.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
AB-PMJAY, Jan Aushadhi Kendras boosting healthcare for middle class in last 11 years
New Delhi: Flagship scheme like the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Jan Aushadhi Kendras under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has significantly enhanced healthcare for middle class in the last 11 years, according to an official statement issued on Thursday. 'Healthcare in India has seen a quiet but far-reaching shift in the last eleven years. Through a blend of targeted public schemes and digital reach, the Government has made quality healthcare both affordable and accessible for millions, especially the middle class,' the statement said. With more than 41.02 crore Ayushman Cards created in 33 States and Union Territories, as of May 30, AB-PMJAY has emerged as one of the world's largest publicly funded health assurance schemes. The scheme has enabled 8.59 crore hospital admissions worth Rs 1,19,858 crore, ensuring access to secondary and tertiary care without pushing families into debt, the statement said. Further, with the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras rising to 16,469, as of May 30, from just 80 in 2014, the PMBJP brought essential medicines within reach of the common citizen. These outlets offer medicines that cost 50 to 80 per cent less than branded options, with strict quality standards ensured through WHO-GMP certified suppliers. The scheme serves around 10 to 12 lakh people daily, and cumulative savings over the last eleven years are estimated to be more than Rs 38,000 crore, the statement said. The product range now includes 2,110 medicines, including for chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and 315 surgical products, covering all major treatments, cutting down financial stress for millions of families, especially the middle class. 'From free hospitalisation for senior citizens to low-cost medicines available nationwide, people today have better control over their health expenses. The digital backbone supporting these schemes has made enrolment, access, and tracking easier than ever. This change has allowed the middle class to benefit from savings on medicines, timely treatment, and greater medical security without bureaucratic hassles,' the statement said. 'Over the past eleven years, the government has shown unwavering commitment to uplifting the middle class in meaningful ways. The policies and reforms introduced have not only eased everyday challenges but also strengthened financial security, housing, healthcare, and skill development,' it added.
India Today
01-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Water kiosks, crèches: Delhi Chief Minister announces Labour Day welfare measures
On the occasion of Labour Day on May 1, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a series of welfare measures aimed at supporting labourers in the national capital, particularly during the harsh summer part of the initiative, labourers will be given a mandatory break from 12 noon to 3 pm to protect them from extreme heat. Additionally, 3,000 water kiosks will be set up in and around construction sites across Delhi to ensure access to clean drinking support women labourers, 500 creches named 'Palna' will be set up for their children. The Delhi Chief Minister also announced that labourers will be prioritised for the registration of Ayushman Cards in Delhi to ensure they receive necessary healthcare LABOUR DAY 2024: HISTORY International Labour Day originated in 1889 when a group of socialist parties in Europe decided to designate May 1 as a special day for workers, which they called International Labour Day or Workers Day. The idea for this day came after a significant protest in America in 1886, where workers demanded to work only eight hours a day. However, things got out of hand in Chicago, and some people were injured, leading to what was called 'The Haymarket Affair.' This event marked the beginning of International Labour Day. Must Watch
