Ayushman Bharat: Kerala's elderly denied free treatment amid confusion in hospital list

Alappuzha: The central government's Ayushman Bharat health scheme for senior citizens has sparked controversy after hospitals in Kerala began sending back elderly patients seeking free treatment. Those over 70 years of age, who are eligible for the scheme, have been told they must pay for medical services, despite registering under the scheme and receiving the ID card, citing an absence of notification.

According to the central government, 588 hospitals in Kerala—including both government and private—are listed to provide free treatment for elderly beneficiaries under the scheme. However, confusion has arisen as hospitals are claiming they haven't received proper notification about the updated list. As a result, patients who have registered under the scheme and obtained their cards are being denied free treatment. 

Uninformed hospitals and delays in implementation

The hospitals listed in the Ayushman Bharat scheme are part of the Kerala government's Karunya Arogya Suraksha Scheme, which has now been extended to cover seniors over 70. Despite this, there has been no clear communication between the central government and the state authorities or hospitals regarding the shift in the scheme's guidelines.

The lack of proper information has left senior citizens in a difficult position, as they are being forced to pay for treatment despite their eligibility. In many cases, hospitals are asking elderly patients to pay upfront, citing that they have not received updates from the central government.

State Health Agency caught in red tape

The State Health Agency (SHA) in Kerala is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the health insurance scheme. However, they can only proceed with the distribution of free treatment for seniors after receiving clear instructions from the central government. This delay has complicated the situation, leaving many eligible patients without the benefits promised under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Hospitals face financial strain

Hospitals in Kerala are already struggling with large amounts of unpaid bills from the Karunya Suraksha Yojana. Therefore, government hospitals will provide free treatment initially, even if there is a central directive.

Frustrating situation for elderly patients

One example of the confusion involves Alappuzha General Hospital, which is listed on the central government's National Health Agency (NHA) portal as an empaneled hospital for the scheme. However, when patients try to contact the hospital's designated nodal officer for more details, they are informed that the officer has retired. Despite this, the contact number and details of the retired officer remain listed on the website, showing how outdated information is being circulated.