Doctors in Haryana have ended their 19-day strike, finally bringing relief to thousands of patients across the state. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Haryana announced the decision on Monday after discussions with the state government. As a result, services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will restart, and more than 650 private hospitals will begin offering treatment again from 12 a.m. on August 26.
Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, provides up to ₹5 lakh in medical benefits each year to families earning less than ₹2.5 lakh annually. For many low-income households, the scheme remains a lifeline. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in giving vulnerable families access to affordable healthcare.
The breakthrough came after a high-level meeting in Chandigarh. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, along with Additional Chief Secretary for Health Sudhir Rajpal and IMA Haryana leaders, took part in the talks. During the meeting, doctors raised concerns about delayed payments, unexplained deductions, and difficulties in filing claims due to complicated procedures. In response, officials assured doctors that they would clear all pending payments within 30 days. They also promised to simplify future payment systems. Furthermore, they agreed to send proposals for revising treatment package rates and improving payment methods to the central government.
To ensure accountability, the government pledged to monitor payments every 15 days. In addition, a review meeting, led by the Chief Secretary, will take place on October 15. To support hospitals, the government will launch a helpline and organize training sessions so staff can file claims more easily.
The strike, which ran from August 7 to August 25, left many patients without timely treatment under Ayushman Bharat. Nevertheless, Dr. Mahaveer P Jain, president of IMA Haryana, said doctors decided to resume services with patients’ needs in mind. He expressed confidence in the government’s commitments and added that the IMA would continue to follow up on the issues raised.
To resolve future complaints, Deputy Commissioners in every district will monitor grievances and meet regularly. At the same time, the state also agreed to withdraw penalties imposed on doctors during the strike. Meanwhile, the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU) will speed up investigations into pending fraud cases. This step, in turn, will help hospitals address concerns about billing disputes.
In conclusion, the end of the strike marks an important step forward for healthcare in Haryana. With renewed cooperation between doctors and the government, patients can now expect more reliable services under Ayushman Bharat. Ultimately, timely payments and system improvements promise a fairer and more effective delivery of healthcare for families across the state.
