Patients will not get other benefits if they have Ayushman Bharat card; misery in this government hospital

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Sree Chitra Institute of Medical Science and Technology is denying other benefits to the poor who use the Ayushman Bharat card. If the patients coming to Sree Chitra are physically challenged and have AAY ration cards, they will be included in Category A, which provides completely free treatment. However, they will have to pay for foreign-made equipment used for surgery. If this patient has an Ayushman Bharat card, the maximum amount of five lakhs will be allowed. However, the institute is denying other benefits to the A-category patients with Ayushman Bharat cards. This is when the central government provides a grant of about 200 crores annually to ensure free treatment to the poor.

Poor man paid 13 lakhs!

A native of Idukki, who underwent surgery in January due to Parkinson's disease, spent a total of 18 lakhs. This patient received 5 lakhs under Ayushman Bharat. Out of the remaining 13 lakhs, 10 lakhs were the cost of foreign-made equipment. 3 lakhs were the charges for the hospital room and tests. While this is free for a category A patient, he was forced to pay 3 lakhs in addition to 10 lakhs because he used the Ayushman Bharat card. The family in crisis could not pay the amount in full even after taking out loans. He was helped by voluntary organisations and locals by collecting money.

Endless misery

• Ayushman Bharat card provides an annual health cover of ₹5,00,000 per family
• For category A, using the card will be a relief only if the institute benefit is not enough.
• Situation is such that people from neighbouring states have to pay money if they arrive with Ayushman Bharat cards.
• If the company in charge of the project in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka pays money to Sree Chitra, it will be reimbursed.
• This law is in place in Sree Chitra when cashless treatment is provided to Ayushman Bharat cardholders across the country.
• There are also complaints that bills are not being issued to those who receive treatment using Ayushman Bharat cards.