Regarding need to ensure timely reimbursement of claims made under Ayushman Bharat Scheme-Laid

Regarding need to ensure timely reimbursement of claims made under Ayushman Bharat Scheme-Laid SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL (TIRUVALLUR): I wish to draw the urgent attention towards the mounting unpaid dues under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), popularly known as Ayushman Bharat scheme. As per recent figures, claims worth (cid:110) over 1.21 lakh crore remain unpaid across the country to both private and government hospitals. This delay is creating a severe financial strain on the healthcare system, and in many states, hospitals have started refusing treatment under the scheme. This scheme was envisioned to provide free, accessible health services to the poorest families. But with hospitals not receiving timely payments, they are either opting out of the scheme or delaying patient care. Several state branches of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have raised serious concerns, and many hospitals have pending dues running into crores. In some cases, smaller hospitals have had to cut down on staff or shut down units altogether. This not only affects the viability of the Ayushman Bharat programme but also risks the very promise made to our citizens that of Swasthya Suraksha for all. I urge the Government to take immediate steps to clear the backlog of claims, ensure timely reimbursement processes, and address the systemic delays in claim approvals.