Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday cautioned hospitals empanelled under the AB-PMJAY-GJAY scheme against charging beneficiaries for pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation diagnostics and related services.

In a letter to empanelled hospitals, State Health Assurance Society CEO Brundha D emphasised the institutions must strictly adhere to scheme guidelines and refrain from collecting any charges for services covered under the package cost. She warned action would be taken against any violations.

As per the guidelines, expenses incurred by a beneficiary on consultation, diagnostics, and medications up to three days prior to hospital admission are included in the package cost. However, this applies only if these services are availed at the same hospital where treatment under the scheme is initiated.

Similarly, expenses incurred for consultation, medicines, diagnostics, and post-operative care for up to 15 days after discharge are also covered under the package cost. Hospitals are required to provide all necessary medications to beneficiaries during this period.

If diagnostic evaluations and follow-up visits are required within 15 days of discharge, hospitals must provide these services free of cost.

The letter further clarified beneficiaries should not be charged for any pre- or post-hospitalisation expenses covered under the scheme. In cases involving surgery, any post-operative complications or readmissions linked to the treatment must also be covered within the original package cost.

Meanwhile, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling conducted surprise visits to two private hospitals in Bhubaneswar to review the implementation of the guidelines. He directed hospital authorities to set up help desks and ensure patients are treated with dignity.