Latest news with #DilipBhanushali
NDTV
3 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.
Mint
04-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Health ministry pushes to fill key vacancies at medical education regulator before academic session
New Delhi: The health ministry has asked the Cabinet Secretariat to urgently fill 18 top-level vacancies at the country's apex medical education regulator, which is reeling under a leadership void just ahead of the next academic session, two officials aware of the matter said. The ministry sought an expedited review of shortlisted candidates for the vacant positions at the National Medical Commission (NMC), the officials said. NMC appointments are made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on the recommendations of a search committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. Of the 20 member posts at the NMC, only two are occupied and even they have completed their tenure. The leadership void comes at a crucial time for medical education. Results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses, which the NMC conducts, were declared on 14 June and counseling for admissions has started. The NMC consists of a chairperson, 10 ex-officio members, and 22 part-time members. The 18 posts of members equivalent to the rank of additional secretary have been vacant for six to eight months, an official said, emphasising that these members are responsible for overseeing the functioning of medical colleges and implementing reforms. The key vacancies include the posts of the presidents and whole-time and part-time members of four boards under NMC—the Undergraduate Medical Education Board, Postgraduate Medical Education Board, Ethics and Medical Registration Board and Medical Assessment and Rating Board. 'The current members, typically holding vice-chancellor positions and with extensive academic backgrounds, are empowered to manage medical college seats, conduct inspections, and handle appeals," the second official said. 'Two members have completed their tenure and have tendered their resignations, which the commission has not accepted in order to prevent a complete vacuum." Dr Dilip Bhanushali, president, Indian Medical Association, said the NMC is currently grappling with several vacant posts and ineffective functioning. 'NMC was established to bring transparency and reforms in the medical education curriculum, but is not satisfactory because the commission does not have enough workforce." Queries sent to the health ministry's secretary's office, health ministry spokesperson, cabinet secretariate on Tuesday and NMC's secretary's office on Thursday remained unanswered. Risk of delays The Medical Assessment Rating Board is responsible for the inspection and evaluation of medical colleges through the year, a function that becomes more crucial during admission time. The absence of board members delays these inspections, adversely affecting admissions and possibly deferring the start of the fresh academic session. 'The Medical Assessment Rating Board, which oversees the assessment and inspections of colleges, is a concern given that admissions for the academic session begin shortly," the first official said. Admissions are scheduled to start in August, once the counselling process ends. Over 1.2 million of more than 2.2 million candidates who appeared for NEET 2025 qualified for admissions to medical colleges. Online counselling for admissions is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee of the Directorate General of Health Services. It helps candidates go through the complex process of seat allocation based on their performance in the entrance exam. Thomas called for reforming the National Exit Test, a common final year undergraduate medical examination that is conducted by the NMC for granting licences to practice medicine. 'Effective implementation of the National Exit Test can serve as a transparent tool to assess college performance and initiate corrective action where needed. Leveraging technology for continuous monitoring can reduce reliance on outdated, subjective inspection systems and help usher in a culture of accountability and quality," Thomas said. India now offers 74,306 postgraduate seats and 118,190 undergraduate seats, with 1.38 million registered doctors. Concerns over NMC's functioning are not new. In 2023, former NMC secretary Vipul Aggarwal highlighted serious lapses and requested urgent reforms, Mint reported last year.
Mint
09-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
Doctors' associations step into war-footing mode amid India-Pakistan tension; IMA writes to PM offering full support
New Delhi: Doctors across the country are gearing up to handle medical emergencies that may arise in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack and the retaliatory strike codenamed Operation Sindoor this week. The Indian Medical Association, the country's largest grouping with 400,000 doctors, has activated its disaster management committee. 'We have alerted all doctors across all states/Union Territories,' said Dr Dilip Bhanushali, national president of the IMA. 'We have written to the Prime Minister offering full support to the government and are prepared to serve the nation. Our network of qualified, skilled and experienced medical professionals are available to extend all necessary healthcare support and services during this time of national emergency.' The IMA is working in coordination with the ministry of health to provide medical care, support and emergency responses. 'We are going to organise special medical teams, blood donation drives, emergency response units and mental health support initiatives,' Dr Bhanushali said. Special arrangements are being made for blood donation, stocking up on medicines and getting adequate ambulances and surgical equipment. Doctors in the southern states have been sensitised to participate in the medical emergency plan. In its letter to the PM, the IMA said its doctors are ready to deal with any emergency in the border states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using mortars and heavy calibre artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu & Kashmir, the defence ministry said on Thursday. Sixteen lives were lost, including three women and five children, due to the Pakistani firing. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), which represents resident doctors' associations, has called for urgent action for national medical emergency preparedness. It suggested that resident doctors' associations and state medical associations ensure that all health facilities maintain essential medicines, beds, and critical care resources for potential casualties. 'Form rapid response teams in each state with specialised medical personnel,' said Dr Manish Jangra, chairman of FAIMA. 'We call upon all citizens to participate in blood donation drives organised by local medical facilities.' The Resident Doctors Association at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi also has similar plans to deal with an emergency situation and safeguard lives. Dr Indra Shekhar Prasad, president of the AIIMS RDA, said the resident doctors of the country's premier medical institute reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to national service and will extend all medical and logistical support to soldiers and civilians. 'We will refrain from taking personal leave and remain fully available for service,' Dr Prasad added.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
IMA hails Operation Sindoor; pledges full support to armed forces, national security efforts
NEW DELHI: Congratulating the Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday said it's over four lakh members are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, government agencies, and citizens to ensure the health and safety of the nation. 'Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest association of doctors practising modern system of medicine in India, representing over 4 lakh doctors across 1,800 local branches and 32 state branches, expresses its heartfelt congratulations to the Indian Armed Forces for their decisive and courageous action - Operation Sindoor - in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam,' said a statement. India carried out 24 precision cruise missile strikes at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last month, in which 26 tourists were killed. 'As an organisation with deep-rooted commitment to the values of service, duty, and nation-building, IMA stands in full solidarity with the government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji,' the statement by IMA's National President, Dr Dilip Bhanushali and Honorary Secretary General, Dr Sarbari Dutta, said.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Operation Sindoor: Orange alert issued, military hospitals in Pune step up vigilance
Military hospitals in Pune have stepped up vigilance and are taking measures to address a developing or a potential critical situation after an Orange alert – as per which authorities have to 'Be Prepared' – was issued in the wake of Operation Sindoor on Wednesday. Security has been augmented around the premises of the three top Armed Forces hospitals, besides increasing surveillance and monitoring personnel and patients. Informed sources said that the transition has been smooth, thanks to the implementation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Strict security measures and thorough assessments of the premises have been enforced, with authorities verifying even the identity cards of personnel in uniform. Disaster drills are being conducted both during the day and at night to ensure preparedness. Pune is home to three top Armed Forces hospitals: Command Hospital, Southern Command; Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences; and Military Hospital, Kirkee. These are large, well-equipped hospitals providing a wide range of medical services. The Artificial Limb Centre is also a premier tri-services institution of the Armed Forces and was set up to provide prosthetic limbs to soldiers injured in combat. The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), also located in Pune, is a premier medical institute and provides training to graduate, post-graduate, and post-doctoral medical and nursing students. An Orange alert indicates a high likelihood of a significant security threat or disaster, though not yet at a critical level. It triggers heightened security protocols and proactive emergency response preparations. As part of these measures, random security checks are conducted across the hospital premises. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) clearly outlines the duties of each staff member, detailing responsibilities across departments such as first aid, MRI, and other units. In the event of a surge in casualties, the SOP also includes a comprehensive crisis bed expansion management plan to accommodate increased patient load. As part of the preparedness measures, doctors are expected to be available on call at all times. The military hospital authorities also coordinate with civic agencies and ensure that there is adequate stock of medical supplies. ICU facilities are maintained to manage serious cases effectively, according to sources. IMA reaffirms readiness to provide healthcare support Dr Dilip Bhanushali, national president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), told The Indian Express that 4 lakh members of the association, across 1,800 local branches and 32 state branches in the country, have extended full solidarity with the Centre on Operation Sindoor. 'In this critical hour, the entire medical fraternity at IMA has reaffirmed the readiness to serve the country. We are fully prepared to provide all necessary healthcare services. Our members are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with our Armed forces, government agencies to ensure the health and safety of the nation,' Dr Bhanushali said.
