The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is one of the flagship schemes launched by the Modi government to provide free medical care to citizens, especially from the economically weaker section in the society.
However, concerns have been raised from time to time about its implementation, as several incidents have surfaced from different parts of the country where hospitals denied services to patients despite them having an Ayushman Card.
Recently in Parliament, Members of Parliament (MPs) questioned the government about hospitals refusing treatment to eligible beneficiaries even when they possessed an Ayushman Card.
Queries raised by MPs on the matter
Parliamentarians Giridhari Yadav and Ramprit Mandal asked the Minister of Health and Family Welfare whether the government is aware that several hospitals refuse to provide treatment to Ayushman Card beneficiaries and instead force them to deposit money. They also sought answer on action taken against such hospitals, including government and private ones.
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Government’s response on the matter
The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, responded by emphasising that hospitals empaneled under the AB-PMJAY are strictly prohibited from denying treatment to eligible beneficiaries.
“In case of denial, beneficiaries can lodge grievances through multiple channels, including the web-based Centralized Grievance Redressal Management System (CGRMS), a toll-free helpline (14555), email, or directly contacting State Health Agencies (SHAs),” the minister stated.
Grievance redressal system
A robust three-tier grievance redressal mechanism is in place at district, state, and national levels. Each level has a dedicated nodal officer and grievance redressal committees to handle complaints. The government ensures support for beneficiaries to access their entitled treatments.
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Punitive measures for errant hospitals
The minister also detailed strict actions against hospitals found violating the scheme’s terms: De-empanelment from the AB-PMJAY network; Imposition of penalties; Issuance of warning letters; Suspension or lodging of FIRs in severe cases.
“State Health Authorities have already taken action against several private hospitals, including suspension and de-empanelment,” Jadhav informed.
What PMJAY beneficiaries should do
The government encourages affected individuals to report grievances promptly through the prescribed channels.
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