High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notices to the Union government and the state governments of Punjab and Haryana over complaints regarding “persistent and systemic delays” in clearing payments to hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The next hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Complaint Highlights Delays
Petitioner Ram Kumar, speaking to the Indian Express, stated that the Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme was launched in 2018 to provide cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. However, hospitals across multiple states have reported reimbursement delays stretching for months, causing significant financial stress.
Scheme Guidelines Ignored
Under AB-PMJAY, healthcare costs are shared between the Centre and the states in a 60:40 ratio. Hospitals are entitled to reimbursement within 15 days of submitting claims, extendable to a maximum of 30 days. Kumar pointed out that on-ground practices deviate sharply from these guidelines, leaving hospitals struggling financially.
Impact on Healthcare Access
The petitioner highlighted that the delayed payments have forced many hospitals to suspend, or threaten to suspend, treatment under the scheme, depriving eligible patients of promised free healthcare services.
IMA Raises Concerns
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana chapter, raised serious concerns over operational challenges in AB-PMJAY. Meanwhile, the central government has disclosed that over Rs 1.40 lakh crore has been spent under the scheme to date.
State Government Responses
According to Kumar, the Punjab government stated that payments were being made on a “first-in, first-out” basis, while Haryana claimed it aimed to clear reimbursements within 30 days. Despite these assurances, delays reportedly persisted.
PIL Filed for Timely Payments
Kumar, through his counsel Satish Bhardwaj, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking court intervention to ensure timely reimbursements, streamline administrative processes, and secure financial stability for empanelled hospitals.
Court’s Role in Streamlining the Scheme
The petitioner expressed hope that the high court’s involvement would compel authorities to reform the reimbursement process, prevent disruptions in treatment, and uphold the objectives of AB-PMJAY, ensuring that beneficiaries continue to receive timely, cashless medical care.
