Ayushman Bharat beneficiary’s kin say they had to pay again

LUCKNOW: Family members of Kamlesh, the patient who is covered under Ayushman Bharat scheme, alleged they had to spend money for treatment on Thursday also for medicine, despite assurance from the authorities.

A report on the difficulties faced by the patient was sought by the health department from the King George’s Medical University and the same has been sent to the state and central governments.

Harish Chandra, the uncle of Kamlesh, said that ₹1,000 for medicine and ₹800 as fee for getting blood had to be paid despite admission being done under Ayushman Bharat scheme. He, however, appreciated the treatment facility and said care in the ward was good. Kamlesh, a beneficiary of Ayushman Bharat scheme, was initially denied service under the scheme on Monday night when he first came to the trauma centre. The patient filed a complaint after which the authorities explained the registration under the scheme was done between 10 am to 4 pm only and since the patient came late in the evening, hence he was initially asked to pay.

The staff allegedly misbehaved even with the MLA from Shahjahanpur who came to help Kamlesh. KGMU officials, however, denied the charges and later arranged free treatment.

In a press statement, the KGMU administration said the money spent by the patient would be reimbursed and a committee had been formed to probe why the difficulties occurred due to technical snag. Spokesperson Santosh Kumar said those found guilty would face action .