Federation of Healthcare Association (FHA), a consortium of 200 private hospitals has categorically stated that it will stop serving patients coming under the three government schemes: Vajpayee Arogya Shree Scheme (VAS), Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme (RAB) and Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme (JSS) with effect from January 16, 2017. Currently, the total outstanding amounts the member hospitals to get is Rs. 110 crore.
 
The Association and its members who actively participate in these state government healthcare schemes face perennial constraints to recover payments made for the treatment of patients. States like Tamil Nadu reimburse government schemes within a week through electronic fund transfer (EFT) mode.

“We earnestly request the government to completely settle the pending payment with interest as per the terms of conditions. If the government honours our request, going forward, we insist on immediate settlement of the amount for such schemes”, stated Dr. Nagendra Swamy, advisor and principal coordinator, Federation of Healthcare Associations.
 
“In order to reduce the inconvenience caused to the beneficiaries of VAS, RAB and JSS, we would continue the treatment of existing in-patients but will refrain from new admissions coming under the scheme from January 16. However the two schemes: Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for paediatric care along with Mukhyamantri Santwana - Harish Scheme (MS-HS) for accidental victims will continue”, he added.

The huge backlog has impacted the financial health of the hospitals and many facilities have shut down in the districts. We have to wait for months for our payment. The hospitals face the challenge of paying suppliers, staff and other agencies, said Dr. Swamy.
 
In the interest of patient safety and quality services, FHA decided to suspend VAS, RAB and JSS schemes. Several representations to the state government for prompt payments and adhere to the contract terms were not attended to. “But we will not refuse any poor patient coming to our hospitals for medical attention even if the scheme is stopped”,  said Dr Swamy.
 
Pointing out that participation in the schemes is a voluntary act. FHA said that it was not fair to force the same on healthcare providers. More over there has been only a minimal revision in fees paid for various procedures under these health schemes. This is despite the annual inflation, revision in minimum wages and high salaries of skilled manpower. These factors make the scheme unviable for hospitals. There is need for a rational pricing.
 
Following a rampant misuse of healthcare schemes by non-BPL cardholders, FHA mandates a scrutiny of people coming in as beneficiaries and also strict implementation of the anti-atrocity act 2009 to protect hospital staff from public anger.

“FHA is deeply interested in Universal Health Care. The government healthcare schemes for those below the poverty line need to reviewed and revised making it practical for private hospitals to provide effective patient outcomes”, said Dr Ajaikumar, advisory board, FHA.