Aarogyasri services stopped, poor suffer

Hyderabad, October 5: Private hospitals and nursing homes have stopped treating patients under Aarogyasri scheme since the third phase discussions with the Minister failed. Earlier, minister and senior officials resolved the problem twice but the third time discussions failed forcing the private hospitals to stop their services from October 1 to 13.

The Minister directed the officials to make alternate arrangements for the patients of poor background. The Minister was angry with the concerned for stopping emergency services without prior intimation and declaring the decision just two days earlier.

According to sources, the Health Minister already discussed with senior officials about removing the hospitals that stopped treatments from M panel under Aarogyasri network and the action to be taken against them.

Meanwhile, the managements of private hospitals and nursing homes are requesting the government to understand their plight as they do not have the financial position to continue Aarogyasri services.
Aarogyasri Health Care Trust CEO Dr. Chandrashekar warned of taking stringent action if the services were not restored.

Already Rs 250 crores were released and only Rs 30 crores were pending, he added.But Telangana Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes Association Chairman Dr. Narsing Reddy stated they didn't got even a single rupee of the dues and worried they have to close the hospitals if they continue the services without payments.

The officials were giving statement of funds release but in fact, they were not released, he added.