RAIPUR: Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, below poverty line (BPL) patients across the state can now avail radiology services like MRI and CT scan.

As per the health officials, since the launch of Ayushman scheme in Chhattisgarh from September 2018, the provision of free radiology facilities was rolled back under the Rashtriya Swasth Bima Yojna (RSBY) and Mukhyamantri Bima Yojna (MSBY) schemes. Hence, the BPL patients were burdened with extra expenses while availing treatment under the scheme. The patients can now avail the MRI at reduced cost and the amount will be deducted from the Ayushman card.

As per the state health department, around 300 private hospitals are providing treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. In government-run Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar hospital, on daily basis, around 30 patients undergo MRI scanning and around 50 undergo CT Scan.

A section of doctors, Hospital Board and Indian Medical Association (IMA) had protested against the Ayushmaan scheme on the ground of outstanding bills under RSYB and MSYB schemes. They had also that the “interference” of insurance companies must be eliminated and “transparency” in Ayushman software.

Also, the state health department had expunged 45 hospitals for not providing treatment under the Ayushman scheme.