Ayushman Bharat-empanelled private hospitals in Haryana will suspend services under the scheme for 24 hours on September 1 to protest prolonged delays in the settlement of claims.

The Haryana chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), in a letter addressed to the CEO of the Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Authority, Haryana (AB-HPA), has warned that if the government fails to “substantially improve” the payment situation, empanelled hospitals may completely withdraw from the scheme starting September 16.

The association described the one-day suspension as a symbolic protest intended to draw the attention of the government, concerned authorities, media and the public to the financial difficulties faced by empanelled hospitals.

Claims Pending for Over Six Months

The letter, dated August 27 and signed by IMA Haryana president Dr Sunila Soni, honorary secretary Dr Yogesh Jindal, and chairman Dr Ajay Mahajan, stated that hospitals have been facing severe financial difficulties because payments for Ayushman claims have remained pending for more than six months — despite an agreed timeline of just 15 days for claim clearance.

IMA Haryana has urged the authorities to immediately clear pending dues and establish a sustainable mechanism to ensure timely payment of future claims.

“The payment pendency has now crossed six months,” the association said, adding that the situation has made it increasingly difficult for hospitals to sustain Ayushman services. IMA also claimed that the financial strain had recently forced a hospital to shut down.

Impact on Beneficiaries and Scheme Credibility

The association said the continued delay in payments is not only affecting hospitals but also has serious implications for beneficiaries dependent on the scheme.

“The continued delay in payments is adversely affecting the availability of healthcare services for the poor beneficiaries of Haryana,” it said, while raising concerns over the credibility and long-term sustainability of the scheme.

IMA said hospitals had received repeated assurances over the past three years, but the issue has remained unresolved. As a result, the association has decided to suspend Ayushman services from midnight to midnight on September 1.