Haryana Doctors End 19-Day Strike, Ayushman Bharat Services Resume

Healthcare services across Haryana are back on track. After a 19-day strike, doctors and hospitals have agreed to restore Ayushman Bharat services in nearly 650 private hospitals. The breakthrough came following government assurances on pending payments, package reviews, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Why Doctors Went on Strike

The strike was triggered by three key issues:

Delayed Claim Payments → Hospitals alleged that Ayushman Bharat claims were pending for months, putting financial stress on private healthcare providers.
Low Package Rates → Doctors argued that the rates fixed for surgeries and treatments were outdated and unsustainable.
Lack of Grievance Support → Hospitals felt there was no proper mechanism to address disputes and operational concerns.

Government’s Assurance to Hospitals

To resolve the deadlock, the Haryana government has promised:

Pending claims cleared within 30 days.
Streamlined payment process to avoid future delays.
Review of package rates to make them realistic for hospitals.
Dedicated grievance mechanism for private healthcare providers.

Impact on Patients

Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries can once again access free or cashless treatment at 650 empanelled private hospitals.
The end of the strike has eased pressure on government hospitals, which were overwhelmed during the protest.
Patients requiring surgeries and critical care will especially benefit, as private facilities rejoin the scheme.

Why This Matters

Ayushman Bharat is India’s largest government-backed health insurance scheme, covering crores of families. The strike had left many patients without treatment options. With services restored, both patients and hospitals can function smoothly—provided the government keeps its payment promises.