Telangana: Hospitals Stop Treating Arogyasri Patients over Pending Claims

Warangal: In a big development, the Telangana Network Hospital Association (TANHA) announced on Monday that all Arogyasri Network Hospitals have suspended treatment for Arogyasri beneficiaries. This decision comes amid ongoing disputes with the Telangana state government over delayed claim payments, which the government attributes to the hospitals' severe financial distress.

During a press conference held in Hanamkonda, Dr C. Rakesh Reddy, zonal joint secretary of TANHA, emphasised the critical role of the Arogyasri scheme. “The Arogyasri scheme provides free medical treatment to Below Poverty Level (BPL) families in Telangana and has been a lifeline for many,” Rakesh Reddy said. He highlighted that the prolonged delays in reimbursements for treating Arogyasri patients have placed immense financial strain on network hospitals.

The primary reasons cited for halting services include the inability to pay consultants and suppliers due to months of outstanding payments. “This is an unfortunate situation, but after waiting for several months with no resolution, we are forced to take this drastic step. We are not against the Arogyasri scheme, but the delay in payments is unsustainable and is affecting the viability of hospitals,” he added.

TANHA members have called on the state government to address the crisis by establishing a redressal mechanism, restructuring the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure mutual benefits, revising treatment packages, and clearing all pending claims promptly. They also urged the government to recognise the vital role that network hospitals play in providing healthcare to BPL families.

The suspension of Arogyasri services has raised concerns among beneficiaries who depend on the scheme for essential and life-saving treatments. Patients are now facing uncertainty and potential delays in receiving necessary medical care. As of now, the Telangana state government has not issued a statement regarding the halt, leaving both hospitals and patients in a precarious situation.