Gujarat Government Takes Strict Action Against Hospitals Overcharging Ayushman Card Holders
The Gujarat government has revealed significant enforcement actions against healthcare facilities violating the rules of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), commonly known as Ayushman Bharat. In a written reply presented in the state assembly on Thursday, authorities disclosed that 24 hospitals in Ahmedabad district have been penalized for improperly charging patients who hold Ayushman cards.
Substantial Financial Penalties Imposed
According to the government statement provided in response to a question from Congress MLA Imran Khedawala, these 24 PMJAY-empanelled hospitals located in Ahmedabad city and the surrounding district were found to have recovered hospitalization charges from beneficiaries who should have received completely free treatment under the scheme. The government has successfully recovered a substantial fine of Rs 36.84 lakh from these healthcare institutions following the issuance of formal notices.
Broader Crackdown on Scheme Violations
This enforcement action forms part of a larger crackdown on hospitals failing to comply with PM-JAY regulations. Just last month, during the ongoing budget session of the assembly, Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya informed legislators that 49 hospitals empanelled under the Government of India's flagship health insurance program had been suspended over the past two years for various irregularities.
Of these suspended facilities:
- 20 hospitals have had their suspensions revoked after corrective measures
- 29 hospitals continue to be barred from admitting patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme
Government Commitment to Scheme Integrity
The information was provided during a discussion on a question raised by Congress MLA Amit Chavda, with MoS Health Praful Pansheriya emphasizing that the government is taking strict action against any hospitals found violating the scheme's established rules and standard operating procedures. This demonstrates the administration's commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme reach intended beneficiaries without financial burden.
The enforcement measures highlight the government's vigilance in monitoring implementation of one of the world's largest government-funded healthcare programs, which aims to provide health coverage to economically vulnerable populations across India.
