Health is an aspect of one’s life that should never be
ignored but, the state government seems to have shut its eyes to the same.
Ayushman Bharat scheme was made for the welfare of the
people but they are not availing its benefit as the Scheme in Punjab has gone
on hold since 29 December 2021.
This Scheme was started by the Central Government on 23
September 2018 to provide aid to the economically weaker section of the society
but in Punjab, it has proved to be a scheme that is causing them a lot of
trouble.
Till December 29, there was a dispute going on between the
previous government and the insurance company which used to claim the treatment
under this scheme. Later, the State Health Department started looking for a new
Insurance company after which the company refused to give claims to any hospitals.
On the 28th of January, the Insurance Company sent an email
to IMA Punjab and all the private hospitals that no money under the scheme will
be claimed by them. After this, all the hospitals concluded that they will not
be admitting any more patients under the scheme while the old patients were
discharged for the same reason.
The newly formed government has also shown zero interest in
this issue and is not taking any steps to solve this so that the common people
can avail the facility again.
True Scoop team spoke to some stakeholders on this and here
is what they have to say:
Hospital Association President, Dr. Rakesh Vig informed us
that approximately ₹300 crores is the amount that has to be paid by the State
government to the hospitals as outstanding dues. State Government is
responsible for it as they have received funds for the scheme from the Central
government but is not passing it to the hospitals, he added further.
Dr. Shubhang Aggarwal of NHS Hospital said, “It was a great
initiative by the Central Government but the newly formed government is showing
no interest in it due to which this scheme might not start again.”
Rajesh Bagga, General Secretory Punjab added, “State
Government does not want to implement the schemes of Central Government that is
why they are not taking any steps to find a problem to this solution.”
“It is a serious issue of our state and should be brought
under the limelight. I will take this matter to the Health Minister of the
country and will make sure that necessary steps are taken”, said Iqbal Singh,
Chairman of the Minority Commission.
The main sufferers of this issue had to say this on the
issue. Malkit Singh resident of Deep Nagar revealed that the hospital asked him
to pay his previous dues for which he was getting treatment as the insurance
company denied accepting the claims.
Ms. Shivani, a resident of Urban Estate said, “I was
admitted to a private hospital under this scheme but as soon as the insurance
company refused to claim the amount, they told me to either pay the money for
the treatment or leave the hospital.”
The government should ponder upon this and find a way out
because there is no other alternative for the economically weaker section other
than relying on such schemes to avail adequate healthcare facilities.