Telangana Network Hospitals Seek Clearance of ₹2,500 Crore in Pending Dues Under Aarogyasri, EHS Schemes

The Telangana Network Hospital Association (TANHA) has appealed to the state government to clear outstanding dues estimated between ₹2,000 crore and ₹2,500 crore owed to network hospitals under the Aarogyasri scheme and the Employee Health Scheme (EHS). Addressing a press conference at the Press Club in Hyderabad on Wednesday, TANHA president V. Rakesh said delayed payments have created severe financial pressure on participating hospitals, with some awaiting reimbursement for 14 to 15 months.

TANHA represents private hospitals empanelled under state-run healthcare schemes that provide free treatment to eligible beneficiaries. The association warned that continued delays could affect the ability of network hospitals to sustain services, potentially impacting patient care across Telangana.

Pending payments and financial strain

According to TANHA, the bulk of the dues relate to claims under the Aarogyasri scheme, which covers cashless treatment for below-poverty-line families. Hospitals have been forced to carry the cost of treatment for months while awaiting government reimbursement. Mr. Rakesh stated that the delay is placing a financial burden on hospitals and can also affect their ability to continue providing services.

The association noted that some network hospitals have been waiting for payment clearance for over a year. The situation has become critical for smaller hospitals that lack the financial buffer to absorb prolonged non-payment.

Concerns over new Employee Health Scheme

TANHA also flagged several shortcomings in the earlier EHS system and called for meaningful consultation before the implementation of the New Employee Health Scheme (NEHS). The association said the previous system suffered from inadequate consultation with network hospitals, limited beneficiary coverage, non-scientific determination of treatment package rates, absence of an effective board structure, and lack of a regular mechanism to revise rates.

The association demanded that treatment package rates be scientifically determined after accounting for actual costs of treatment, human resources, medicines, medical equipment, infrastructure, consumables, and other operational expenses. It also sought representation for TANHA in committees responsible for reformulating EHS packages and in the Employee Health Care Trust (EHCT) to ensure practical aspects of healthcare delivery are considered during policy decisions.

Grievance redressal and alleged pressure

The association called for a clear and time-bound grievance redressal and appeals mechanism to address concerns raised by both network hospitals and beneficiaries. Mr. Rakesh alleged that despite TANHA formally bringing difficulties faced by network hospitals to the attention of authorities on July 28, there were reports of pressure being exerted on network hospitals by EHCT personnel in certain districts.

TANHA expressed readiness for discussions with the government, EHCT, and other stakeholders to arrive at a transparent, sustainable, and mutually acceptable framework for providing healthcare services to employees, pensioners, and their families.

Why this matters for Hyderabad residents

Hyderabad is home to a large network of private hospitals empanelled under state healthcare schemes that serve lakhs of beneficiaries, including government employees, pensioners, and families from economically weaker sections. If pending dues remain uncleared, hospitals may be forced to limit services or reconsider participation in these schemes, potentially reducing access to cashless treatment for eligible patients across the city and state. For readers in Hyderabad who rely on Aarogyasri or EHS coverage, the outcome of this demand could directly affect their ability to receive treatment at network hospitals.

Source: The Hindu – Hyderabad, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/clear-2500-crore-hospital-dues-telangana-network-hospital-body-urges-govt/article71528018.ece