Ayushman hosps reply to notices; min warns against negligence

Dehradun: A week after notices were issued to five hospitals over alleged irregularities in Ayushman Bharat claim submissions, all hospitals submitted their replies to State Health Authority (SHA), officials said on Friday. State health minister Subodh Uniyal has warned that negligence in implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme would not be tolerated.The empanelled hospitals are Arihant Hospital, Hans Dialysis Centre, Baluni Hospital, Rahi Netralaya and Ojaswi Hospital. Ayushman Bharat director of claims Saroj Naithani said the department is examining the replies before deciding on further action. Meanwhile, all hospitals have been directed to submit pre-operation photographs of patients while filing claims under the scheme. “Govt hospitals earlier had some relaxation, under which they could submit a bedside photograph of the patient at the time of claim submission, and even that was not mandatory,” Naithani said.Uniyal, who chaired a review meeting of the scheme on Friday, directed officials to ensure that benefits reach every eligible citizen. “Ayushman Bharat is one of the country’s most ambitious healthcare programmes, and negligence in its implementation will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that beneficiaries should receive healthcare services in a timely and hassle-free manner.The minister directed officials to install display boards carrying information on the scheme, eligibility criteria, available facilities and helpline numbers in all government and empanelled hospitals. “Informing people about the scheme is as important as providing treatment,” he said.During the meeting, SHA officials also raised concerns over budget-related challenges under the State Government Health Scheme. In response, Uniyal said, “All departments and institutions concerned must work together to ensure the benefits of the scheme reach every section of society.”