New Delhi, March 9 (Agency) The Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI) has alleged that the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has not reimbursed over Rs 500 crore of medical bills to private hospitals. The apex association of private hospitals has raised this matter with the Union Health Ministry. The association has requested the Ministry to release the outstanding amount on priority as the outstanding have badly impacted the financial sustainability of hospitals “The outstanding data from 61 hospitals itself is over Rs 500 crores,” a statement from the AHPI said. A provision in the agreement between hospitals and CGHS effective from October 14 states that 70 per cent of the medical bills should be reimbursed within five working days of their submission.
But Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General AHPI, said: “Hospitals have to wait for months and years to get the dues. This results in pushing hospitals to a state of sustainability, forcing them to avoid or refuse beneficiaries for treatment. “The continuous and perennial delay in CGHS payments seriously impacts the hospital’s cash flow,” he added. “Due to these factors, CGHS is losing its sheen among hospitals as well as among beneficiaries.” The AHPI said several other key anomalies from the present system were also highlighted to the Ministry including low rates for reimbursement which have not been revised since 2014. CGHS provides healthcare facilities to around 40 lakh current and retired Central government employees and their families.