Ayushman Bharat: Free and Quality Healthcare Services Continue Uninterrupted in Private Hospitals

Ayushman Bharat: Free and Quality Healthcare Services Continue Uninterrupted in Private Hospitals
 
 Raipur, Sept 11

Treatment of Ayushman cardholder patients is continuing uninterrupted in all empanelled private hospitals under the scheme. Currently, about 1,600–1,700 claims are being submitted every day, amounting to more than ₹4 crore daily.
For the financial year 2025–26, the State Government has so far released ₹375 crore. Of this, claims up to July 2025—worth around ₹280 crore—have already been paid. In addition, ₹130 crore from the Central Government is expected this week, which will further ensure continuous settlement of hospital claims.
The Health Department is in regular consultation with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and all registered hospitals are providing services to beneficiaries. It has been ensured that no poor or vulnerable family is deprived of free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). All empanelled hospitals have been instructed to provide cashless treatment to valid Ayushman cardholders and not to charge any fees from beneficiaries.
According to information from the Health Department, action has already been taken against 118 hospitals for violating scheme guidelines. This includes de-empanelment of 24 hospitals and suspension of 11 hospitals. Strict action will continue in future against hospitals found guilty of violations.
The State Government has reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring that the benefits of this ambitious scheme reach every citizen, enabling them to receive quality healthcare without financial burden.
To further strengthen implementation, the State Government will soon organize a Stakeholders’ Workshop to discuss issues and solutions with all concerned parties.
Dr. Surendra Shukla, Chairman of the Hospital Board of India, Chhattisgarh, informed that ₹375 crore has been released following the initiative of the departmental minister. Senior officials of the Health Department also shared today that an additional ₹130 crore has been allocated by the Centre, which will be received this week. This will make nearly ₹505 crore available for clearing the pending dues of private hospitals.
Representatives of the State and District branches welcomed this decision taken in the interest of patients. They emphasized that since the Government has already ensured payment of pending dues, under no circumstances will free treatment of patients be stopped.
The State Government remains determined to ensure that every eligible family benefits from Ayushman Bharat and that no citizen is denied treatment due to financial hardship. With transparent payments, strict monitoring, and continuous reforms, the Government is committed to making free and quality healthcare accessible to all citizens across Chhattisgarh.