Aarogyasri services in Andhra Pradesh disrupted as hospitals await pending payments

Hospitals across Andhra Pradesh have temporarily suspended services under the Aarogyasri health scheme due to pending reimbursements from the state government, leaving thousands of patients without access to essential medical care. The outstanding dues to hospitals have reportedly reached around ₹2,700 crore, prompting urgent calls for action from healthcare providers and political parties.

Over the past 15 days, several hospitals have stopped performing surgeries and other critical procedures under Aarogyasri, affecting mainly economically disadvantaged patients who rely on the program for free healthcare. Numerous patients have reportedly been turned away, creating hardships for families seeking urgent medical attention.

The Congress Party has issued a strong statement urging Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to take immediate steps to release the pending payments and ensure uninterrupted services under Aarogyasri. Party leaders criticized the partial release of ₹250 crore as inadequate and stressed that the full outstanding amount should be cleared promptly to prevent further disruption.

“Aarogyasri has been a lifeline for millions of poor patients over nearly two decades. Delays in payments not only strain hospitals but also endanger patients’ access to timely medical care,” the party said. They further emphasized that the scheme should not be politicized and that immediate action is necessary to restore its full functioning.

The state government has not yet made a public statement regarding the pending dues. Discussions between hospital associations and state authorities are reportedly ongoing, with both sides seeking a resolution to resume normal services as soon as possible.

The current situation has drawn attention to the importance of timely reimbursements in sustaining large-scale healthcare programs like Aarogyasri, which provide free medical treatment to vulnerable populations across Andhra Pradesh.