‘Ayushman Bharat,’ the most ambitious health scheme of Modi government, which is scheduled to be launched on September 23, is facing a major hurdle as only seven local hospitals have agreed to be part of scheme. Out of seven hospitals, which have shown interest to be empanelled for scheme, five are eye hospitals. Concerned over lack of interest shown by private hospitals for the scheme, district collector Nishant Warvade held a meeting with district health department officials and private hospitals on Thursday to motivate them for joining the scheme.
“Only seven hospitals have been empanelled. But we are not responsible for empanelling hospitals for scheme. Government will do it,” chief medical and health officer Dr HN Nayak said. He said health department, on its part, has completed data collection and appointed ‘Ayushman Mitra’ under the scheme. Meanwhile, private hospital owners have blamed lack of clarity with regard to provisions and implementation of scheme.
They said the terms are not clear. They have objected to making NABH accreditation compulsory under the scheme. Nursing Home Association president Dr Vijay Harlalka said there are many conditions for private hospitals, which are not clear in the scheme.
“The collector has assured us of clearing the confusion soon and asked us to participate in the scheme. We will take part in the scheme,” Dr Harlalka said. Hospitals with NABH accreditation, poor incentives and issues pertaining to National Accreditation Board for Laboratories need to be addressed.