In a sweeping crackdown, the Haryana government has removed 42 private hospitals from its Ayushman Chirayu Yojana panel following serious allegations of malpractice. These hospitals, spread across various districts, were reportedly demanding payments from patients despite offering treatment under the state-sponsored cashless healthcare scheme.

The government has also temporarily suspended eight hospitals and issued them warnings after receiving numerous complaints. The action follows a detailed probe ordered by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during the recent Budget Session of the Haryana Assembly, where the issue of widespread fraud under the Ayushman Chirayu scheme was raised.

What is the Ayushman Chirayu Yojana?

Launched as an extension of the national Ayushman Bharat initiative, the Ayushman Chirayu Yojana aims to provide cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year to eligible families in Haryana. Initially targeting low-income groups, the scheme was recently expanded to cover families earning up to ₹6 lakh annually.

Under the revised guidelines:

• Families earning between ₹3–6 lakh per year can avail benefits by contributing ₹4,000 annually.

• Families with income above ₹6 lakh are eligible upon contributing ₹5,000 annually.

• Previously, households earning between ₹1.80 lakh and ₹3 lakh could access benefits by paying just ₹1,500 per year.

Despite the scheme’s noble intent, loopholes in its implementation have enabled some private hospitals to exploit beneficiaries.

Widespread Complaints Spark Statewide Action

The Department of Ayushman Bharat in Haryana received dozens of complaints from beneficiaries who alleged that private hospitals were charging them for services that should have been free under the scheme. The complaints spanned several districts including Panipat, Gurugram, Karnal, Sonipat, and others.

Here’s a breakdown of districts where hospitals have been delisted:

In addition to the 42 delisted hospitals, eight hospitals across Panipat, Bhiwani, Sonipat, Jhajjar, and Sirsa have been temporarily suspended pending further investigation.

Fraud in Focus: Hospitals Demand Money for Free Treatment

Despite being part of a cashless treatment program, some private hospitals reportedly demanded direct payments from patients or their families, citing additional charges or out-of-network services. These allegations prompted the health department to conduct surprise audits and cross-check hospital claims with patient testimonies.

Out of a total of 1,328 hospitals empaneled under the scheme—641 of which are government-run—the probe has identified a worrying trend in a significant number of private institutions.

Government Sends a Strong Message

Speaking on the crackdown, a senior official in the health department emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy toward misuse of welfare schemes. “No one has the right to exploit poor and vulnerable patients. These hospitals have violated public trust, and appropriate legal and administrative actions will follow,” the official said.

The Chief Minister has assured citizens that the state will not hesitate to take further action against any institution that attempts to defraud the system. Authorities have also encouraged beneficiaries to report irregularities through the official grievance redressal portal or helpline.

Looking Ahead

As the government intensifies its oversight, there is also a renewed call to strengthen digital monitoring and patient verification systems within the scheme. The health department has vowed to conduct more frequent audits and improve transparency in claim settlements.

The message is loud and clear: Fraud will not be tolerated, and public health cannot be compromised.