Shimla, Feb. 26 -- Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the union and State governments to clear pending dues of empanelled private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat national flagship and Himcare scheme, observing that delay in release of legitimate claims defeats the objective of cashless healthcare for beneficiaries.
The order was passed on Wednesday by a Single Bench of Justice Jyotsana Rewal Dua while hearing the matter titled M/s Maatri Medicity and Orthocare Hospital vs. State of H.P. & Ors., along with connected petitions.
The petitioner-hospital approached the court alleging that substantial payments towards treatment provided under the two schemes had remained unpaid for a considerable period, causing financial strain and hampe...