Persistent delays and administrative bottlenecks threaten healthcare delivery under flagship scheme
Over ₹400 Crore Pending, Hospitals Under Strain
In a major concern for healthcare delivery, the Haryana unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has flagged pending payments exceeding ₹400 crore under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The dues, owed to empanelled hospitals across the state, have reportedly been delayed for months, putting financial pressure on healthcare providers.
Letter to CM Nayab Singh Saini Highlights “Misleading Data”
In a formal letter addressed to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the IMA raised serious concerns about discrepancies in official data. The association alleged that certain statistics presented during the recent Budget Session may not reflect the ground reality, potentially misleading the government about the scheme’s implementation status.
Payments Delayed Despite Fund Release
According to the IMA, although the Finance Department released funds to the Ayushman Bharat–Haryana Health Protection Authority (HHPA) in early November, procedural hurdles have stalled disbursement. While payments up to December are claimed to have been cleared, several intermediate cases remain pending.
Notably, payments that should be processed within 15 days are still unpaid even after months, with some cases dating back to September 25.
SECC Category Processing Only Just Begins
The association also highlighted that payments under the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) category have only recently begun, further contributing to the backlog and delays.
Leadership Vacuum in HHPA Causing Policy Deadlock
A key issue flagged by the IMA is the absence of a full-time CEO at HHPA. This leadership gap has reportedly resulted in a policy paralysis, restricting decision-making and delaying critical approvals.
Despite efforts by the Link Officer, the lack of authority has prevented effective resolution of pending issues.
CM’s Earlier Directive Yet to Be Implemented
The Chief Minister had approved in January 2025 the inclusion of the IMA Haryana President or a designated representative in key committees. However, the association claims that this directive remains unimplemented, further complicating grievance redressal.
IMA Urges Immediate Government Intervention
IMA Haryana President Dr. Sunila Soni expressed appreciation for the government’s intent but urged immediate corrective action. The association has called on the Chief Minister to personally intervene and streamline the payment process.
Risk to Healthcare Services Under Flagship Scheme
The IMA warned that continued delays in payments could disrupt services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, directly impacting patient care and hospital operations.
Conclusion:
With mounting dues, administrative delays, and governance gaps, the situation poses a significant challenge to one of India’s largest public healthcare initiatives. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether timely intervention can restore confidence among healthcare providers and ensure uninterrupted patient services.
