Network hospitals threaten to halt Aarogyasri services from August 31 over pending dues

Over 360 hospitals under Telangana’s Aarogyasri network have announced suspension of services to scheme beneficiaries starting August 31, citing unpaid dues amounting to Rs 1,300–1,400 crore. The Telangana Network Hospitals Association (TANHA) has raised concerns over the financial stress caused by delayed payments and unfulfilled promises from the government.

Hyderabad: Upset over unfulfilled promises and pending medical bills worth Rs 1300 to Rs 1400 crore, over 360 member hospitals of Telangana Network Hospitals Association for Aarogyasri (TANHA) on Thursday have decided to withhold medical services to beneficiaries from August 31.

In a notice submitted to Aarogyasri Health Care Trust (AHCT) on Thursday, the member hospitals of TANHA said that small and medium-sized hospitals, which provide medical services to Aarogyasri beneficiaries, are on the verge of closure, due to several issues, including delayed payments.

“There are many problems in delivering effective services to the beneficiaries of Aarogyasri, EHS and JHS, with a looming danger of closure of many of our member hospitals in view of financial overburden, TANHA said.

In January of this year, the TANHA members had conducted a similar protest following which the State government had made promises to meet their demands. However, after eight months and multiple meetings later, none of the assurances and promises made by the State government have been fulfilled.

Some of the major demands of TANHA include redrafting of MoUs (terms and conditions) with member hospitals, revision of packages, regular payments, establishment of redressal mechanism, unilateral issue of circulars without any concern or consideration. The TAHNA members are also demanding bifurcation between Aarogyasri, EHS, JHS, preferential payment and stopping cancellations/deductions due amounts.

“Most of us are unable to bear the financial burden because of delayed payments. We are unable to pay salaries to doctors so they are not willing to work. Suppliers are not willing to supply as their amounts are due for many more months, “ TANHA added.