Hyderabad: The Telangana Aarogyasri Network Hospitals Association (TANHA), which represents 330 hospitals across the State, suspended cashless services under Aarogyasri from September 16 at 11:59 p.m. The association said talks with the government failed to resolve long-pending dues.
Hospitals cite financial strain and failed talks
TANHA president Dr. Vaddiraju Rakesh said hospitals face severe financial stress because the government has not cleared bills. He said that due to private hospitals now crossing ₹1,000 crore.
He explained that TANHA leaders met Health Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Aarogyasri Health Care Trust CEO several times in the past 20 days. However, the government did not act on its promises. “We have no choice but to suspend services,” he said, while urging the public to support the demand for payments.
The association noted that the government released ₹1,900 crore in the last 20 months, the highest so far. Even then, more than ₹1,000 crore in arrears still burdens hospitals.
Govt cites record clearance of dues
The Health Minister’s office said the government released over ₹1,000 crore under Aarogyasri in the last 20 months. “This is the highest payment so far,” it said. Officials blamed the previous BRS government for creating the backlog. They added that the Congress administration released ₹100 crore on September 15.
Aarogyasri scheme background
Aarogyasri provides free medical and surgical care to families below the poverty line. The scheme runs on a public-private partnership model. Private hospitals deliver services, and the government reimburses them through the Aarogyasri Health Care Trust.
TANHA earlier called for a similar strike this year but withdrew after government assurances. With arrears still pending, the association said it will continue the indefinite suspension until the government clears the dues.