Private hospitals in Haryana, including those in Panipat, have remained closed for Ayushman Bharat services since August 7, staging an indefinite strike over the issue of unpaid dues. The strike has caused a major disruption in healthcare delivery under the central government’s flagship health insurance program, which was designed to provide affordable medical care to the poor. According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Haryana, hospitals are struggling under the burden of delayed reimbursements, with outstanding payments totaling nearly Rs 490 crore. Despite a partial release of funds by the government, hospital representatives claim that this has done little to ease the crisis, as the deadlock continues without a clear resolution.
The protest has escalated in several parts of the state, with IMA members in Panipat burning an effigy to demonstrate their frustration and anger at what they describe as government neglect. Doctors have accused authorities of ignoring the interests of both healthcare providers and patients, arguing that the scheme has failed to benefit either side. An IMA spokesperson declared that services will not resume unless a fair, robust, and transparent payment mechanism is created with the association’s active involvement. The statement also criticized the government for what they see as harassment of hospitals and a lack of meaningful dialogue.
From the medical community’s perspective, the strike was not a hasty or reckless decision but rather a last resort after repeated delays in payments. Doctors like Dr. Kuldeep Mangla from Panchkula emphasized that it is nearly impossible for hospitals to function under such financial uncertainty. He explained that while patients are undeniably suffering due to the suspension of services, the ultimate responsibility lies with the government for failing to honor its financial commitments. The lack of timely reimbursement, according to many practitioners, is threatening the very survival of private hospitals, which are crucial partners in delivering Ayushman Bharat services.
The strike has left nearly 1.5 crore beneficiaries in Haryana stranded without access to free treatment under the scheme. With around 650 private hospitals halting participation, government-run facilities have been left to handle the patient load, leading to overcrowding and severe pressure on already stretched resources. This sudden redirection of patients has disrupted the functioning of public hospitals, delaying critical treatments and creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for those who depend on the program for essential healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nayab Saini has announced the creation of a committee to verify the claims made by private hospitals. However, the IMA argues that this verification process cannot be used as an excuse for prolonged delays. They have stressed that hospitals cannot continue to operate without proper and timely reimbursement and have demanded direct involvement in establishing a structured payment framework. According to the association, only a transparent mechanism, free from bureaucratic hurdles, will restore trust and ensure smooth functioning of the scheme.
Health Minister Aarti Rao has criticized the hospitals, suggesting that their decision to suspend services was premature. Yet, the medical community counters that without financial stability, running hospitals under the scheme becomes impossible. They insist that the government’s failure to address payments on time is forcing hospitals into an unsustainable position. For doctors and administrators, the strike represents not just a protest but a survival strategy.
The situation now hangs in a delicate balance as both sides prepare for scheduled talks. A final decision on whether the strike will be called off or further escalated depends on the outcome of these discussions. Until then, the standoff continues, and thousands of patients remain deprived of the free healthcare that Ayushman Bharat had promised them. The unfolding crisis highlights the urgent need for dialogue, accountability, and policy reform to safeguard both healthcare providers and the millions of beneficiaries who rely on the scheme.
