Mangaluru: Registered private hospitals empanelled under the state government’s Ayushman Bharat Health Karnataka (AB-HK) scheme are not officially refusing treatment under the Ayushman scheme, clarified District Health and Family Welfare Officer (DHO) of Dakshina Kannada, Dr H.R. Timmayya, on January 30.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Timmayya acknowledged that the Health Department has received complaints alleging that some empanelled private hospitals are charging full fees from patients despite having Ayushman scheme staff and Health Mitra personnel. In some cases, hospitals have reportedly claimed that Ayushman Bharat services are not available at their facilities.
“We have received such complaints from members of the public through the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner’s phone-in programme,” he said, adding that the department is taking the issue seriously and examining each complaint.
Complaints under scrutiny
Dr Timmayya said the Health Department has begun verifying the allegations to determine whether there are violations of scheme guidelines by empanelled hospitals. He made it clear that registered hospitals are obligated to provide services under the Ayushman Bharat Health Karnataka scheme to eligible beneficiaries.
Officials said that if any hospital is found denying services or charging patients in violation of the scheme, appropriate action will be initiated as per government norms.
The DHO urged beneficiaries to immediately report such instances to district authorities or the Health Department so that corrective steps can be taken without delay.
No external referrals for lower-level treatment
Clarifying another important aspect, Dr Timmayya said government hospitals do not refer patients to private hospitals for primary or secondary stage illnesses. He added that even in the case of tertiary care, including cancer treatment, referrals outside government hospitals are not provided under existing protocols.
This clarification was issued in response to confusion among patients regarding referrals and eligibility for treatment at private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Ayushman card not mandatory
Dr Timmayya explained that possession of an Ayushman Health Card is not mandatory to avail benefits under the Health Karnataka scheme. Eligible patients can still access treatment by providing their Aadhaar card, the mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and a valid ration card.
“This provision is intended to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is denied treatment due to the absence of a physical card,” he said.
Health officials noted that awareness about this flexibility remains low among the public, leading to unnecessary denial or delay in availing benefits.
Emergency care guidelines reiterated
The DHO also reiterated that in emergency situations such as heart attacks or road traffic accidents, patients can directly approach any registered hospital for immediate treatment under the scheme.
He said official letters outlining emergency care guidelines have already been issued to all empanelled hospitals, clearly stating that emergency treatment cannot be denied on procedural grounds.
Officials stressed that lifesaving treatment must be initiated first, with documentation and scheme formalities to be completed later.
Meeting of hospitals planned
To address concerns and ensure uniform implementation of the scheme, Dr Timmayya said a meeting of all major hospitals in the district will be convened shortly. The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner.
“The objective is to ensure smooth and transparent availability of Ayushman Bharat Health Karnataka services across all empanelled hospitals,” he said.
The Health Department hopes that the meeting will help resolve operational issues, reinforce scheme guidelines, and prevent inconvenience to beneficiaries.
Ensuring access to healthcare
Officials emphasised that the Ayushman Bharat Health Karnataka scheme is designed to provide cashless and affordable healthcare to eligible families, and strict compliance by both government and private hospitals is essential to achieve its objectives.
The department has appealed to beneficiaries to stay informed about their rights under the scheme and to come forward with complaints whenever services are denied or irregularities are noticed.