KOCHI: As overdue reached have become crores, private hospitals have started denying treatment through government's health insurance plans. The patients are told that hospitals are not taking cards. Private hospitals are yet to receive an amount of Rs 290 crores through the Kerala government's Karunya health scheme, central government's ESI, ECHS schemes. It looks as if though the centre has backed off from the RSBY. 41.64 lakh families are members of Karunya Benevolent Fund, a scheme funded through lotteries.

As a dispute was raised for non-payment of funds, the government cut ties with Reliance Insurance and is set to directly conduct the scheme from July 1. In that case, the government should be responsible for paying the overdue. Private hospital owners are planning to move legally over the matter. Through the ESI scheme, hospitals allow inpatient treatment, but most hospitals don't include surgery. ECHS scheme provides free treatment for ex-military personnel and their family.