Hospitals Refusing Benefits Under ‘Ayushman Bharat’ Scheme to Face Action

Pimpri Chinchwad | Several private hospitals in Pune district are reportedly refusing to provide treatment under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme to eligible patients holding valid cards. Taking note of this, Maval Lok Sabha MP Shrirang Barne has demanded action against such hospitals. In response, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has directed his secretary to immediately collect details about these hospitals. As a result, strict action is expected against those denying treatment to senior citizens, Barne informed.

MP Barne met with Minister Nadda in Delhi and shared data about 148 hospitals in Pune district that are part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also demanded that more hospitals be included under the scheme. Barne stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Health launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) on September 23, 2018. The aim of the scheme is to provide high-quality and free healthcare services to the poor and underprivileged.

Under this scheme, special priority is given to senior citizens to ensure they do not face financial difficulties for treatment. Citizens aged 70 years and above are now included under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.

Out of 168 private hospitals in Pune district, only a limited number are offering services under the scheme. Most hospitals are refusing treatment to senior citizens, claiming they do not offer services under Ayushman Bharat. This not only violates central government directives but also infringes upon the health rights of senior citizens. As a result, many elderly people in Pune are unable to access timely and appropriate medical care, putting their lives at risk and forcing them to bear high out-of-pocket expenses.

MP Barne demanded strict legal action against all hospitals that are deliberately not implementing the scheme. He also urged the government to issue immediate instructions to all listed hospitals in Pune district to compulsorily implement the scheme. In addition, he proposed the formation of a monitoring mechanism to ensure that senior citizens receive smooth and hassle-free treatment under the scheme.

Under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, assistance of up to ₹1.5 lakh is available, whereas the Ayushman Bharat scheme offers up to ₹5 lakh in medical aid. However, many hospitals avoid providing this assistance, Barne said. He discussed the matter with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, stating that although the scheme is excellent, in practice, hospitals are denying senior citizens their rightful benefits. The minister has assured an investigation and action against such hospitals.

— Shrirang Barne, Member of Parliament, Maval Lok Sabha Constituency