The prolonged strike that began on August 7, involving more than 650 private hospitals affiliated with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), created a major disruption in healthcare services across Haryana. These hospitals had collectively suspended their participation in the BJP government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme, leaving thousands of patients without treatment under the program. The protest was triggered by mounting grievances over unpaid dues that had crossed Rs 400 crore, coupled with allegations of arbitrary deductions made by the government. For over two weeks, the impasse left patients in uncertainty and highlighted the financial strains faced by private healthcare institutions working under the scheme.
After days of mounting pressure and a stalemate that caused growing public concern, a major breakthrough was achieved in negotiations between IMA leaders and senior Haryana government officials. Following an extensive four-hour-long meeting held on Sunday morning at the state secretariat, the IMA officially announced the end of its strike. The meeting was attended by top officials, including Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sudhir Kumar, and Ayushman Bharat CEO Sangeeta. On behalf of the IMA, prominent representatives such as Dr Ajay Mahajan, Dr Mahavir Jain, and Dr Dhirender K Soni participated in the discussions that eventually resulted in a resolution.
IMA officials confirmed that the government has agreed to release pending payments and address their financial concerns. The administration assured that all dues would be cleared within a month and that a written commitment would soon be issued. To further ease the funding crisis, the government also promised to present an additional budget in the Assembly. At present, the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Haryana has an allocation of Rs 700 crore, an amount that falls far short of the Rs 2,000 crore required for effective implementation, as estimated by the IMA. The announcement of an increased budget allocation has been welcomed by the medical community, as it promises greater financial stability for hospitals delivering treatment under the scheme.
Reacting to the development, Dr Dhirender K Soni stated that the government had accepted all of their demands, which gave them the confidence to call off the strike. Similarly, IMA Haryana President Dr Ajay Mahajan, along with Dr Mahavir Jain, expressed satisfaction with the assurances given by the authorities. They pointed out that the written confirmation and immediate release of funds signaled a constructive approach from the government, which had restored their trust and eliminated the need to prolong the protest. Their collective statements indicated that the outcome of the talks was not only conclusive but also marked by a newfound sense of cooperation between the two sides.
With the suspension officially withdrawn, services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme are resuming across the state without delay. This decision comes as a significant relief to over 1.5 crore patients in Haryana who depend heavily on the program for accessible and affordable healthcare. The resolution of this conflict is expected to bring stability to medical services, improve patient access, and prevent further disruptions. It also demonstrates the critical importance of timely government action in maintaining the balance between healthcare delivery and institutional sustainability. The resolution is being seen as a positive step toward strengthening the healthcare system in the state and ensuring that essential medical benefits under the scheme reach the people without interruption.
