360 hospitals block Aarogyasri over Rs 1,400 cr dues

Thousands of patients in Telangana who depend on the government’s Aarogyasri health insurance scheme are facing an uncertain future. From Tuesday midnight, more than 360 small and medium hospitals across the state will stop providing treatment to Aarogyasri beneficiaries. The hospitals say they are being forced into this drastic step because the government has not cleared unpaid medical bills worth nearly Rs 1,300–1,400 crore.

The Telangana Network Hospitals Association for Aarogyasri (TANHA), which represents these hospitals, explained that they have been in talks with the government for the past 20 days, even meeting the Health Minister. However, no solution has been reached, and hospitals say they are now on the verge of financial collapse.

According to TANHA, the delay in payments has left many hospitals struggling to survive. They are unable to pay salaries to doctors and staff, and suppliers are refusing to provide medicines and equipment because their dues are pending for months. “If this continues, many hospitals will have to shut down,” the association warned.

The hospitals had staged a similar protest earlier in January, after which the government had promised to clear payments and resolve issues. But eight months later, nothing has changed.

The association has listed several demands, including timely payments, revision of treatment package rates, fair agreements with hospitals, and a proper grievance redressal system. They are also asking the government to stop sudden deductions and delays in settling bills.

For patients, this blockade is heartbreaking. Aarogyasri is often the only hope for poor families who cannot afford costly medical care. With hospitals pulling out, many fear being left without life-saving treatment. Unless the government and hospitals find a quick resolution, thousands of vulnerable patients may suffer.