CM takes stern action, orders suspension of the hospital’s empanelment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Chandigarh : While fulfilling two key promises from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sankalp Patra, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini today announced a major healthcare initiative. The Chief Minister said that cataract surgeries will now be provided free of cost to patients’ at all 26 government hospitals and 15 empaneled private hospitals across the state. This move is aimed at making essential eye care more accessible to the people of Haryana.

In addition, Sh. Saini announced the launch of tele-consultation services by specialists at PGIMS Rohtak, modeled on the successful telemedicine services at PGIMER Chandigarh. This service will allow residents of the state to access consultations from medical specialists at no cost, benefiting a large number of people, particularly in rural and remote areas. The number of calls being received daily in Haryana has seen a significant increase, with the average rising to 1,700 calls per day. In a bid to further improve healthcare access and services, the state government has set an ambitious target to increase the number of calls to 7,000 per day. Currently, the total number of Outpatient Department (OPD) visits across Haryana stands at approximately 1 lakh per day.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was presiding over a review meeting of the Health, Ayush, and Medical Education and Research Departments here today. He emphasized that his primary goal is to make quality healthcare facilities accessible to all citizens across the state. Health, Medical Education and Research and Ayush Minister Ms Arti Singh Rao was also present in the meeting.

*CM takes stern action, orders suspension of the hospital’s empanelment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana*

While taking stern action on a complaint against Agarwal Nursing Home, Kurukshetra for allegedly charging patient cash for treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the Chief Minister ordered the suspension of the hospital’s empanelment with the scheme, effective immediately. He made it clear that any hospital found charging cash payments or requiring advance payment signatures from patients or their family members will have its empanelment immediately revoked. Sh Nayab Singh Saini also suggested setting up a revolving fund for the timely payment to hospitals for treatment provided under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Around 45 lakh eligible families are getting health cover of Rs five lakh per family per year.  There are a total 1227 empaneled hospitals in the State including 502 public and 725 private hospitals.

*All doctors and paramedical staff be strictly available during their designated duty hours*

While reviewing the functioning of civil hospitals across the State, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of patient satisfaction as the primary goal of the healthcare system. He directed that all doctors and paramedical staff be strictly available during their designated duty hours to ensure that patients do not face undue delays in receiving care. The Chief Minister further emphasized the need for improved communication and patient support. In this regard, he directed that a toll-free helpline number be established in all civil hospitals to provide timely assistance and address any concerns or grievances from patients.

*Posts of 777 Medical Officer would be filled up soon*

The Chief Minister said that with a view to further strengthen the health care system and meet the demand of doctors, 777 Medical Officers would be recruited in the State before December 31, 2024. Besides, to further strengthen rural health infrastructure, 825 health facilities including 718 Sub Health Centres (SHC), 82 Primary Health Centres (PHC) and 25 Community Health Centres (CHCs) would be established in a phase manner.

*Hi-tech facilities in the Obstetrics and Gynecology wards of all district Hospitals*

In the meeting, the Chief Minister also accorded his approval to provide 5 percent of the total out of the 20 per cent corpus fund as bonus to the government doctors who are treating the Ayushman Bharat Patients in public hospitals under surgical package. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also directed that a provision of 10 percent of the budget be allocated to provide hi-tech facilities in the Obstetrics and Gynecology wards of all hospitals for newborn babies and pregnant women. He emphasized that his aim is to ensure that people no longer need to seek treatment at private hospitals.

*Digital Inventory Portal to provide real-time information on the availability of medical equipment*

The Chief Minister directed that a Digital Inventory Portal linked with CM Dashboard be established on priority basis. The portal will provide real-time information on the availability of medical equipment such as ICUs, ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, CT scanners, and more. The Digital Inventory Portal will also help track the daily utilization of these services, ensuring better resource management and service delivery. He also directed to ensure round-the-clock availability of cardiologist and other related staff in Cathlabs established in government hospitals. The Chief Minister stated that a comprehensive plan should be put in place to ensure that every district hospital is equipped with an ICU. Currently, six hospitals are ready for operation.

*Prepare a sustainable mechanism for the maintenance and upkeep of Yog and Vyamshalas*

 “While reviewing the functioning of the Ayush Department, the Chief Minister directed that the construction of the AYUSH University in Kurukshetra, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,296.09 crore, be expedited. He also emphasized the need to promote and propagate AYUSH practices across the state. The Chief Minister directed to prepare a sustainable mechanism for the maintenance and upkeep of Yog and Vyamshalas in the State.

*Six new nursing colleges are being constructed*

 In the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress  of Medical Colleges and upcoming projects. He directed to ensure that the construction work of medical colleges be completed in a time bound manner. He was informed that at present there are 15 Medical Colleges in the State. It was informed that six new nursing colleges are being constructed in the State. These included one each in district Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Rewari and two in district Faridabad.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Sh Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and commissioner and Secretary Development and Panchayats Dr Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration Sh Ashok Kumar Meena, Director General, Medical Education and Research Dr Saket Kumar, DGHS Dr Kuldeep and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.