The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Headquarters has extended full support to its Haryana unit as the latter fights against delays in payments under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. IMA Haryana represents nearly 650 private hospitals empanelled under this flagship central government health coverage program, which provides up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care.

Despite multiple government assurances, pending dues to these hospitals have accumulated to around Rs 490 crore, leading IMA Haryana to suspend Ayushman Bharat services statewide starting from August 7, 2025. The association warned that without timely reimbursements, private hospitals cannot sustainably continue services under the scheme. Efforts by Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sudhir Rajpal to resolve the issue through talks have so far failed to yield a satisfactory solution.

The state health agency has processed and paid claims only up to early May 2025, with funds totalling Rs 240.63 crore received and utilised between April and mid-July 2025. Payments are being made on a first-in-first-out basis, but the mounting arrears have severely impacted the medical community’s ability to provide timely treatment.

The IMA HQ has issued a letter reaffirming its solidarity with IMA Haryana, urging persistent efforts to secure appropriate budgetary allocations and timely payments. It highlighted the critical impact delayed payments have on hospital operations and patient care, especially for economically underprivileged beneficiaries relying on the scheme. The national body pledged full support to help resolve the crisis swiftly to restore essential healthcare services under Ayushman Bharat in Haryana.