As per a report in The Hindu today. Private hospitals across the country have threatened to stop cashless facility under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) with dues from patients availing the schemes spiralling to an incredible Rs. 1,200 crore.

If hospitals go ahead with the ultimatum, then 36 lakh central government employees, including their dependents, and pensioners under CGHS, and over 52 lakh ex-servicemen and their dependents covered by ECHS would be directly affected. There are 1000 empanelled hospitals and nursing homes across cities in India who are affiliated with the schemes.

Hospitals had raised the issue with Union Ministry of Finance in July 2019. However, not much has been done by the government to resolve the issue, which has worsened after the implementation of Ayushman Bharat or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana healthcare scheme. Forced by the inaction, the hospitals have now issued an ultimatum to the government.