Ayushman Bharat: Odisha private hospitals express concern over low rates

Bhubaneswar, April 17: CS The private hospitals across Odisha today expressed their concern over implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the state-run Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), citing a slew of operational and financial issues.
The entrepreneurs and CEOs from private and corporate hospitals held an emergency meeting at the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bhubaneswar on Thursday, to address growing concerns over the implementation of these flagship health schemes.
The private healthcare providers said that they face grave difficulties in software, procedural troubles and very low rates for orthopedics, neurosurgery, and cardiac procedures.
According to Dr. Indramani Jena, Secretary of All Odisha Private Medical Establishment Forum (AOPMEF), all stakeholders present unanimously expressed concern over the inefficient patient registration system.
One of the core grievances raised during the meeting was the low reimbursement rates for critical treatments and surgical procedures.
The number of life-saving implants in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and gynecology departments remains negligible. While the base cost of a pacemaker is no less than Rs 1.5 lakh, Ayushman Bharat only offers Rs 75,000.
Hospital representatives also informed about the administrative burdens involved, such as the requirement to upload numerous documents, photographs, and reports.
Given the pressing issues, they urged the government to take immediate corrective measures.
If these matters are not addressed within the next 15 days, they will unanimously withdraw themselves from the scheme, said Dr. Jena.