PRENEETA SHARMA
Shimla
Cardiology patient operations using Ayushman cards have been ceased at IGMC. As a result, impoverished patients are now facing more challenges. The explanation is that for the past nine months, Ayushman’s payment has not been made. Cardiology patients are now not receiving medication or surgical supplies on their Ayushman cards due to this circumstance. The government at its level and the health department have also been notified by the IGMC administration, but the pharmaceutical business has not received payment since October 2024. The central government is in charge of the Ayushman Yojana. Free care up to five lakhs is offered in this. The scheme was set up by the government specifically for underprivileged patients. Cardiology patients are now being denied access to it, despite the fact that hundreds of individuals are using it.
In addition, the equipment needed for cardiac procedures is quite costly. The patient benefited from this initiative, which eliminated all financial obligations for patients who require treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. Patients now have to pay thousands of rupees. In addition to cardiology, other patients would have issues within a few days if the government fails to pay Ayushman on schedule. A few days ago, there was a scenario when treatment was unavailable, even through the Himcare program. However, the Himachal government provided funding for Himcare, and as a result, the hospital’s patients are now utilizing the Himcare plan.
Using Ayushman and Himcare cards has become challenging for patients. Every time a patient approaches the counter, the staff member keeps telling him to return in two or three hours. Only once his card has been activated does the patient receive medications on it. When a patient is brought to the hospital, it is frequently observed that he must purchase many medications out of pocket before his card is activated. The patients would save a lot of money if the cards were activated on time. According to IGMC MS Rahul Rao, Ayushman cards are not being used for cardiology patient surgeries. The explanation is that it has been a while since Ayushman’s payment had been submitted. Under Himcare, every patient is undergoing surgery. Only the last two days have seen the receipt of the Himcare payment. Patients will no longer have any issues using their Himcare card to receive treatment. Cardiology patients will also be able to benefit from Ayushman if the payment is made on time.
