Private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Scheme may lose empanelment without NABH certification. Here’s why hospitals are seeking more time to comply.
Private hospitals providing treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) are facing a major compliance challenge after a new government directive made National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) certification mandatory.
Hospital operators say the new requirement could affect healthcare services for thousands of beneficiaries if adequate time is not provided to obtain the certification.
NABH Certification Now Mandatory for Ayushman Bharat Hospitals
According to health officials, all private hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme must obtain NABH accreditation to continue offering cashless treatment under the government-funded health insurance program.
Hospitals that fail to secure the certification within the prescribed timeline risk losing their empanelment, which would prevent them from treating patients under the scheme.
The new rule is intended to improve patient safety, healthcare quality, and standardized medical services across the country.
Hospitals Seek More Time to Meet the New Requirement
Hospital administrators have expressed concerns over the implementation timeline. They say obtaining NABH accreditation is a detailed process involving infrastructure upgrades, documentation, staff training, and quality assessments.
According to representatives of the Gorakhpur Nursing Home Association, completing the certification typically takes around six months. However, the State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services (SACHIS) has reportedly given hospitals only three months to comply.
Hospital operators argue that while they support higher healthcare standards, the current deadline is difficult to meet.
Healthcare Providers Warn of Impact on Patients
Medical professionals believe that if a large number of hospitals lose their Ayushman Bharat empanelment, patients could face difficulties accessing free treatment.
Hospitals have already invested in medical equipment, manpower, and infrastructure to provide services under the scheme. Losing eligibility would not only impact hospitals financially but could also reduce healthcare options for economically weaker patients who depend on Ayushman Bharat benefits.
Gorakhpur Hospitals Yet to Meet NABH Standard
The Chief Medical Officer of Gorakhpur stated that a new government order makes NABH certification mandatory for all hospitals associated with the scheme.
At present, 213 private hospitals in the district are empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. However, only 27 hospitals have obtained NABH certification, while the remaining 183 hospitals are yet to complete the accreditation process.
| Details | Figures |
|---|---|
| Private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat in Gorakhpur | 213 |
| Hospitals with NABH certification | 27 |
| Hospitals yet to obtain NABH certification | 183 |
Health authorities have started issuing notices to all empanelled hospitals, directing them to complete the certification process within the specified period.
Medical Associations Request Government Intervention
Representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Gorakhpur Nursing Home Association have urged the government to extend the compliance deadline.
The associations have also approached Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan, requesting intervention with the Health Ministry to provide additional time for hospitals to complete the accreditation process.
Hospital representatives believe that extending the deadline would help maintain uninterrupted healthcare services for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries while allowing hospitals to meet the required quality standards.
Why NABH Accreditation Matters
NABH accreditation is recognized as one of India’s leading quality benchmarks for healthcare institutions. It evaluates hospitals on patient safety, clinical protocols, infection control, staff competency, and overall quality of care.
The government believes mandatory accreditation will strengthen the Ayushman Bharat Scheme by ensuring that beneficiaries receive treatment in hospitals meeting nationally recognized healthcare standards.