Article Today, Hyderabad:
Private hospitals under Telangana’s Aarogyasri scheme are facing a severe financial crunch. The Telangana Network Hospitals Association for Aarogyasri (TANHA) has warned that services will be suspended from midnight of August 31 if the issues remain unresolved. Association president Dr. Vaddiraju Rakesh said hospitals are struggling to sustain services under Aarogyasri, Employees’ Health Scheme (EHS), and Journalists’ Health Scheme (JHS). TANHA urged the Aarogyasri Trust CEO to resolve the crisis immediately.
Rs. 1,300 Crore Dues Pending
Hospitals are weighed down by mounting arrears. The government owes nearly Rs.1,300 crore to private hospitals under Aarogyasri, Dr. Rakesh said. Because of delayed payments, hospitals cannot pay doctors’ salaries or settle agency bills. Many suppliers have stopped providing medical equipment until their dues are cleared. As a result, services are weakening, and beneficiaries are not receiving timely care.
Doctors Unpaid, Services Hit
Doctors are reluctant to continue work without salaries, while support agencies are withholding supplies. The association warned that several hospitals face closure if the dues are not cleared soon. The mounting financial pressure is directly affecting patient services.
Repeated Appeals, No Solution
TANHA recalled that hospitals had flagged these concerns during meetings with Aarogyasri Trust officials and the Health Department Secretary in January. They sought revisions in package rates, timely payments, and a grievance redressal system. However, little progress has been made. Over the past six to eight months, the crisis has only worsened, the association noted.
Unilateral Decisions Add to Burden
Another concern, hospitals said, is the unilateral way in which the Aarogyasri Trust issues circulars without consultation. These orders, they alleged, have imposed unnecessary financial burdens. Deductions, cancellation of pending claims, and arbitrary cuts have deepened the crisis. TANHA has demanded clear separation of Aarogyasri, EHS, and JHS payments and priority in settlements.
Call For Meeting with Chief Minister
The association urged the Trust CEO, the Health Minister, and the Chief Minister to hold a direct meeting with network hospitals. Hospitals want a permanent solution through dialogue. With the CEO recently assuming charge, TANHA said this is the right time to act decisively and ensure uninterrupted services for beneficiaries.
