The Telangana government, through Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust CEO Uday Kumar, announced that Rs. 1,779 crore in claims have been cleared, urging private hospitals to continue services under the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme. This follows the Telangana Aarogyasri Network Hospitals Association (TANHA), representing 323 private hospitals, declaring an indefinite suspension of cashless treatment from midnight Tuesday over unpaid dues of Rs. 1,400 crore.

TANHA’s move affects over 99 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families relying on Rs. 10 lakh annual coverage for critical treatments. TANHA President Vaddiraju Rakesh warned of potential hospital closures, impacting Aarogyasri, Employees’ Health Scheme, and Journalists’ Health Scheme beneficiaries.

Uday Kumar highlighted government efforts since December 7, 2023: doubling coverage, adding 163 high-cost procedures, revising 1,375 procedure rates, and raising monthly arrears payments to Rs. 100 crore.

The suspension, echoing a January strike, risks delayed care and higher mortality, forcing BPL families toward out-of-pocket expenses or public hospitals. TANHA demands timely payments, grievance redressal, and MoU revisions. The government reaffirmed its commitment and appealed for continued services under this vital health initiative.

Meanwhile, Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, in an informal interaction with media on Tuesday evening stated, “We held consultations with the private hospitals’ federation for a month and promised Rs 100 crore monthly, releasing the same yesterday as committed. Some are conspiring with political motives, and not all hospitals are striking, as there appear to be two factions. We urge them to continue Aarogyasri services.”