📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / ABP Sanjha
Health
Former Punjab CM Channi accuses central fund misuse, cites Ayushman Bharat payment gaps hurting private hospitals
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jalandhar
🗓 31 Aug 2026, 05:20 PM
👁 21
Channi alleges that unequal payments under the Ayushman Bharat scheme have increased dues for private hospitals, prompting several to halt treatments under the programme.
Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi launched a strong criticism of the central government's handling of funds, calling the promised education and health model hollow and accusing misuse of central allocations.
He specifically pointed to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, saying that irregularities in payment disbursement have left private hospitals with mounting unpaid dues.
According to Channi, the financial strain has forced a number of private hospitals to stop providing services under the scheme, potentially affecting beneficiaries who rely on the scheme for tertiary care.
The allegations come amid ongoing debates over the sustainability of public‑private partnerships in India's health sector, with state officials yet to respond to Channi's statements.
No official data has been released to confirm the extent of the claimed arrears, and the central ministry has not commented on the accusations.
He specifically pointed to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, saying that irregularities in payment disbursement have left private hospitals with mounting unpaid dues.
According to Channi, the financial strain has forced a number of private hospitals to stop providing services under the scheme, potentially affecting beneficiaries who rely on the scheme for tertiary care.
The allegations come amid ongoing debates over the sustainability of public‑private partnerships in India's health sector, with state officials yet to respond to Channi's statements.
No official data has been released to confirm the extent of the claimed arrears, and the central ministry has not commented on the accusations.