Mangaluru (The Hindu): The Nursing Homes and Hospital Managements Association, Dakshina Kannada, has decided to stop offering Vajpayee Arogya Shree, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya and Jyothi Sanjeevini schemes from January 16 since the government has not cleared huge dues.

Association president Yusuf A. Kumble told reporters here on Friday that the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust that administers the schemes on behalf of the government owes over Rs. 200 crore to many super-speciality hospitals across the State, including 11 in Dakshina Kannada.

While reimbursement was made off and on till a year ago, no payment was made for the last nine months.

Dr. Kumble, managing director of Indiana Hospital, said that hospitals have been doing social service by participating in the schemes as the reimbursement covers only about 70 per cent of the actual cost (consumables) without including establishment cost (hospital maintenance). In such a situation, they were finding it difficult to continue with the scheme.

However, the hospitals would not stop Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and Chief Minister’s Harish Santwana scheme as it was part of their commitment to society, Dr. Kumble made it clear.

Prashanth Marla, managing director of AJ Hospitals, said that hospitals in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have to get about Rs. 60 crore reimbursement. The Federation of Healthcare Associations of Karnataka has informed the government about stopping the services from January 16, he said.

Besides reimbursement, the federation has demanded upward revision of charges, Dr. Marla said.