Ayushman Bharat Reality Check: Hospitals Deny Cashless Care in Punjab, HP & Chandigarh

In this Special Report, India Today’s Special Correspondent Nitin Jain conducts a reality check on the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The investigation reveals that empanelled private hospitals in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh are denying cashless treatment to poor patients. Hospitals like Indus International in Mohali and Bhatia Hospital in Patiala were found demanding cash or citing pending government dues to refuse care. Dr. SR Sharma of Navjeevan Nursing Home in Solan admitted to rejecting cards due to unpaid dues of Rs 1 crore. The report exposes the gap between the scheme's promise and the ground reality.