Super-Specialty Hospitals in Hyderabad Suspend Aarogyasri and Aarogya Bhadratha Services Over Pending Bills

Hyderabad: Several super-specialty private hospitals in Hyderabad have announced the suspension of services under the Aarogyasri and Aarogya Bhadratha healthcare schemes due to the non-payment of medical bills by the State government. The move, effective from January 20, 2025, has raised serious concerns about access to healthcare for beneficiaries, including police personnel and economically disadvantaged citizens.

TSHA Demands Bill Clearance

The Telangana Specialty Hospitals Association (TSHA), which represents a network of super-specialty hospitals, has cited over ₹1,000 crore in unpaid bills as the primary reason for halting services. The association issued a formal letter to the government on January 9, 2025, requesting urgent intervention. However, with no resolution in sight, the TSHA claims that hospitals have been left with no choice but to take this drastic step.

Impact on Aarogyasri Scheme

The financial crisis is not limited to the Aarogya Bhadratha scheme, which primarily serves police personnel. The State-run Aarogyasri Health Insurance scheme, designed to provide free medical care to low-income families, is also facing a similar crisis. Smaller and mid-sized hospitals have already ceased services for Aarogyasri beneficiaries since January 10 due to delayed reimbursements, further exacerbating the situation.

Concerns Over Patient Care

The suspension of these critical healthcare schemes has sparked widespread concern about the implications for patient care. Police personnel and economically vulnerable families, who rely heavily on these schemes, may now face significant barriers to accessing quality medical treatment.

Healthcare providers have expressed regret over the decision but argue that the financial burden of unpaid bills has made it unsustainable to continue offering services under these schemes.

Government Yet to Respond

Despite mounting pressure, the State government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the crisis. Hospitals and medical associations continue to urge the government to act swiftly to clear outstanding dues and prevent further disruption to healthcare services.

The suspension comes as a major setback for Telangana’s healthcare system, which relies heavily on the Aarogyasri and Aarogya Bhadratha schemes to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare services. Without immediate action, thousands of patients in Hyderabad and across the State may face significant delays or outright denial of essential medical care.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.