Hyderabad: T. Harish Rao has warned that Aarogyasri bills pending for hospitals could lead to closures, raising serious concerns about healthcare access in Telangana.
Speaking in the Assembly, he alleged that delays in payments under the Aarogyasri scheme are creating financial stress for hospitals. Although the government claimed to release funds through a Green Channel, he argued that payments are not reaching hospitals on time.
Aarogyasri bills pending impacting healthcare services
Harish Rao said delayed payments are pushing smaller hospitals towards a crisis. As a result, several facilities are struggling to continue offering treatment under the scheme.
He added that prolonged delays could disrupt healthcare services for economically weaker sections. Therefore, he urged the government to address the issue urgently.
Moreover, he pointed out that the Congress had promised to increase Aarogyasri coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. However, he claimed that only a limited number of beneficiaries received the enhanced support over the past two and a half years.
Concerns over implementation and hospital participation
Harish Rao also raised concerns about declining participation from corporate hospitals. According to him, many large hospitals are reluctant to provide treatment for major surgeries under the scheme.
Consequently, he suggested that the government review the implementation of Aarogyasri to ensure better participation. He also compared the current situation with the previous BRS government, where higher financial assistance was extended to beneficiaries.
In addition, he said that hospitals have already issued notices warning of a possible halt to Aarogyasri services. Despite this, he alleged that authorities have not cleared pending dues.
Demand for clarity and immediate action
He expressed concern that continued delays could force several small hospitals to shut down. Furthermore, he warned that such closures would directly impact patients who rely on the scheme for treatment.
Harish Rao demanded that the government disclose the total amount of Aarogyasri bills pending. He also asked for a clear timeline to settle dues.
Ultimately, he stressed that timely payments are essential to maintain trust between hospitals and the government. Without immediate action, he cautioned, the healthcare system under Aarogyasri could face serious disruptions.
