Private hospitals demand full payment of ₹980 crore; July 15 deadline looms
Jaipur: Facing mounting pressure from private hospitals threatening to suspend cashless medical services, the Rajasthan government on Saturday released a partial payment of long-pending dues under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS). While the move provides temporary relief, private hospital associations continue to insist on full settlement of outstanding bills.
Earlier, private hospitals had issued an ultimatum, warning they would discontinue cashless services under RGHS from July 15 unless the state government cleared all pending dues, some of which date back over seven months and amount to approximately ₹980 crore.
Although hospital associations have acknowledged the partial disbursement, they remain firm on their demand that all payments, particularly those pending up to March 2025, be settled to ensure continuity of services.
Dr. Vijay Kapoor, President of the Private Hospitals Association, stated that some hospitals had been de-empanelled or penalised based on AI-generated audits despite pending dues. “This move is only partial relief. Our issues remain unresolved,” he said, according to a report in The Times of India.
A senior representative from a private hospital echoed the sentiment, saying: “This is a positive gesture but far from a full resolution. We haven’t withdrawn our July 15 deadline. A meeting with the government is expected soon.”
The RGHS scheme provides cashless healthcare services to a wide range of beneficiaries, including sitting and former MLAs, government employees, pensioners, and their families, through empanelled private hospitals.
Hospital representatives warned that the financial burden due to delayed payments is making it increasingly difficult to continue offering services without upfront charges. They urged the government to address the dues immediately to avoid any disruption in patient care.
Health Minister Gajendra Khimsar assured that the government is committed to resolving the crisis. He confirmed that the health department, which recently took over RGHS from the finance department, will soon convene a meeting with private hospitals and other stakeholders. “We are open to dialogue and our top priority is to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for all RGHS beneficiaries,” said Khimsar.
