Ayushman Bharat dues to private hospitals will be cleared by March 21, Punjab informs HC

A government counsel, acting on instructions from the state’s principal secretary (finance), assured the bench of Justice Kuldeep Tiwari of the timeline for settling outstanding payments. However, the government also sought the court’s permission to raise further claims regarding contributions from the Central government, reports

Hindustan Times.

The assurance was given during the hearing of a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab and others, which had been pending since 2022. The petition sought the release of unpaid dues for hospitals registered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, where 60% of the funding comes from the Central government and 40% from the State. The petitioners claimed that nearly Rs 500 crore remained unpaid to hospitals for patient care services.

The issue has been contentious, with the Central government previously alleging "misutilisation of funds" by Punjab. These allegations prompted the court to seek details of the state's expenditure on advertisements and welfare schemes. In October 2024, the Punjab government refuted the claims, stating that only Rs 46 crore was pending in hospital payments, while Rs 250 crore of the Centre’s contribution was yet to be released. The state also denied any misuse or withholding of funds.

Despite a meeting between both parties in December 2024 to resolve the issue, no clear outcome was reached, and a consensus is yet to be established. On January 30, the court observed that details of the December meeting had not been communicated and reiterated its demand for records on spending for advertisements and welfare programs by February 14. However, with the state now committing to settle hospital dues by March 21, the court has not pressed further for these financial details, reports the Daily.

As a result of this assurance, the IMA agreed not to push for its petition at this stage. However, the court has granted the IMA the liberty to revive the matter if the Punjab government fails to meet the deadline. If the payments remain unsettled, the IMA will also have the right to revisit the issue of spending on welfare schemes and advertisements. The resolution of this matter will significantly impact hospitals providing services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring timely financial support for patient care.