The Telangana Network Hospital Association (TANHA) has urged the State government to clear pending dues of about ₹2,000 crore to ₹2,500 crore owed to network hospitals under the Aarogyasri and other healthcare schemes, while seeking greater participation of private hospitals in the formulation and implementation of the New Employee Health Scheme (NEHS) policy.
Addressing mediapersons at the Press Club in Hyderabad on Wednesday, TANHA president V. Rakesh said payments relating to Aarogyasri claims had remained pending for prolonged periods, with some network hospitals awaiting payments for 14 to 15 months. “The delay is placing a financial burden on hospitals and can also affect their ability to continue providing services,” he added.
The successful implementation of the new EHS policy requires effective coordination and continuous dialogue among the government, the Employee Health Care Trust (EHCT) and network hospitals. “We welcome the formulation of the policy but shortcomings in the earlier system need to be addressed before its implementation,” they added.
According to the association, the earlier EHS system had several shortcomings, including inadequate consultation with network hospitals, limited beneficiary coverage, non-scientific determination of treatment package rates, the absence of an effective board structure and regular mechanism to revise rates, implementation-related loopholes and inadequate representation of network hospitals in policy formulation and decision-making.
“The treatment package rates should be scientifically determined after taking into account the actual cost of treatment, human resources, medicines, medical equipment, infrastructure, consumables and other operational expenses,” the association said.
It also sought representation for TANHA in the committees responsible for reformulating the EHS package and in the EHCT so that practical aspects of healthcare delivery could be considered while making policy decisions.
The association called for a clear and time-bound grievance redressal and appeals mechanism to address concerns raised by both network hospitals and beneficiaries.
It further alleged that its representatives had formally brought the difficulties faced by network hospitals under the new EHS policy to the attention of the authorities on July 28. “Despite the need for dialogue and consultation, there were reports of pressure being exerted on network hospitals by EHCT personnel in certain districts,” Mr. Rakesh said.
The association said it was ready for discussions with the government, EHCT and other stakeholders to arrive at a transparent, sustainable and mutually acceptable framework for providing healthcare services to employees, pensioners and their families.
Published – September 30, 2026 07:30 pm IST
