Imphal: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMGAY) benefiaries in Manipur have been notified that they will not get the scheme benefits at pirivate hospitals from August 16 until the government clears dues under the health scheme.
Association of Healthcare Providers of India, Manipur Chapter on Wednesday announced that private hospitals will temporarily suspend treatment of patients under under the PMJAY scheme.
The association in a statement said, following the meeting held on July 30 by the Association of Healthcare Providers of India, Manipur Chapter, it was unanimously resolved that the prolonged delay in the reimbursement of claims under the PMJAY scheme has placed all private healthcare Institutions – Including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres – under Immense financial and operational stress.
“Private healthcare providers have continued to support the public health infrastructure despite repeated financial setbacks. However, the continued non-payment of pending dues under these schemes has made it increasingly unfeasible for member institutions to offer services without timely financial support.”
“Therefore, with great reluctance, we inform the public that all private healthcare institutions affiliated with the association, will be temporarily suspending the benefits under the scheme starting from August 16. During this suspension period, treatments and services will be chargeable at standard Institutional rates until all pending dues are cleared by the concerned government authorities,” the statement mentioned.
Once the outstanding payments are reimbursed, any amount collected from eligible beneficiaries during this interim period wilI be refunded, as applicable, the association said and ‘sincerely’ requested for understanding and cooperation as they navigate through this difficult phase. “We remain hopeful for a swift resolution to the issue.”
A large group of patients and family members made their reactions through reporters at Manipur Press Club, here on Friday.
A diabetic patient from Ukhrul district who has been treating at a private hospital in Imphal for 12 years said a notice was served to patients treating under PMJAY that they will not get the scheme from August 16. He said he recently got the scheme for his treatment which includes dialysis, twice a week. “It will be hard for us. We request the government to take up necessary arrangements.”
A daughter of a diabetic patient from Thoubal district, Laxmi, said her father has been giving dialysis treatment since 2019. “If the PMJAY benefit is not entertained, we will in big trouble. It will be very difficult for daily wage earners like us as dialysis is conducted for 3-4 times a week. It cost Rs 4000 per dialysis and the payment is made through the PMGAY card.”
She said it is hard to get schedules for dialysis at government hospitals, citing that she went to the district hospital for which the patient has to wait for a near. “A patient may die if the dialysis is not done for a week.”
She and other patients’ families appeal not to suspend treatment at private hospitals under the scheme and urged the government authority to take up necessary arrangements.
At present there are 25 hospital currently empanelled under AB-PMJAY in Manipur. These included 17 public and eight private hospitals. The state health agency in Manipur is responsible for implementing PMJAY in the state.
