In a major boost for healthcare accessibility in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has issued strict directives to ensure timely payments to Ayushman Bharat hospitals. Officials have mandated that all eligible claims must be processed and disbursed within 30 days, addressing long-standing delays that have crippled hospital operations.
Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh emphasized the zero-tolerance policy on negligence in patient care. ‘No hospital under the Ayushman scheme will receive payments if found compromising on treatment quality,’ he declared during a high-level review meeting in Lucknow. This move comes amid rising complaints about substandard services at empaneled facilities.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides up to Rs 5 lakh coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. With over 1.5 crore beneficiaries in UP, the scheme’s success hinges on efficient hospital reimbursements. Recent audits revealed bottlenecks in claim verification, leading to cash crunches for many private and public hospitals.
To streamline processes, a dedicated portal for real-time claim tracking has been launched. Hospitals must now upload detailed treatment records within 24 hours of discharge. Non-compliance will result in immediate de-empanelment. ‘Our priority is patient lives, not bureaucratic red tape,’ added a senior health department official.
Medical associations have welcomed the reforms. Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, president of the UP chapter of the Indian Medical Association, called it a ‘game-changer’ for sustaining quality care. However, he urged faster digital integration to reduce paperwork.
This initiative aligns with national goals to strengthen public health infrastructure post-pandemic. UP aims to empanel 50% more hospitals by year-end, expanding coverage to remote areas. With elections on the horizon, the Yogi Adityanath government is doubling down on welfare schemes to showcase delivery on promises.