BJP demands answers on Ayurvedic hospital delisting
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh has called on the state government to clarify reports that government Ayurvedic hospitals have been removed from the empanelled list under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. BJP state spokesperson Trilok Kapoor addressed the media in Palampur on Wednesday, alleging that the move would severely impact thousands of patients who rely on these facilities for affordable treatment.
Kapoor noted that after the discontinuation of the Himcare scheme, new reports indicate Ayurvedic hospitals are being excluded from Ayushman Bharat. He warned that if true, the decision would place an additional financial burden on economically weaker and middle-income families, particularly those in rural and remote areas where Ayurvedic hospitals serve as primary care providers.
Rural patients at risk of losing cashless treatment
According to Kapoor, a large number of people in Himachal Pradesh depend on government Ayurvedic hospitals for primary medical care. The withdrawal of cashless treatment facilities under both Ayushman Bharat and the now-defunct Himcare scheme would force patients to pay out-of-pocket, undermining access to affordable healthcare. He argued that healthcare is a basic right and should not be politicized.
Kapoor demanded that the state government clarify whether these hospitals have indeed been removed from the scheme, what prompted the decision, and what alternative arrangements have been made for affected patients. He also criticized the government for failing to strengthen public healthcare despite promises, claiming that reduced insurance coverage would harm treatment access across the state.
Call for government response
The BJP spokesperson urged the state government to issue a detailed clarification regarding the status of Ayurvedic hospitals under Ayushman Bharat and outline measures to safeguard patients' interests. He emphasized that no patient should be denied treatment due to policy changes and called for immediate action to restore coverage if the reports are accurate.
