The Andhra Pradesh government has taken stringent action against 203 hospitals for alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme. These hospitals have been collectively fined Rs 34.39 crore over the past two years.
According to the state Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department, the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust not only imposed fines on 203 empanelled hospitals but also initiated disciplinary proceedings against 44 healthcare facilities.
The actions taken included the suspension of 25 hospitals, stoppage of payments to 13 hospitals, removal of five facilities from the scheme’s network, and cancellation of recognition for one hospital.
The alleged irregularities came to light through complaints that hospitals were denying cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries, delaying care, violating prescribed medical protocols, and failing to provide appropriate patient care.
Some facilities were also found to have charged beneficiaries for treatments that were already covered under the scheme. The Trust investigated these complaints and initiated action against hospitals found to have violated the scheme’s requirements.
These actions are significant for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as they demonstrate the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in public health schemes, ensuring beneficiaries receive proper services.