Bhubaneswar: Aiming to enhance patient benefits under the Ayushman scheme, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced pre-admission medical tests will now be included in the scheme’s coverage.

Any diagnostic tests carried out up to three days before a patient’s admission must be included in the scheme’s coverage. Hospitals failing to comply with this rule will face strict action, said Mahaling.

The Health Minister stated private hospitals in the State have been instructed to strictly adhere to these guidelines. Hospital authorities have also been cautioned as the government is taking the matter seriously following multiple complaints.

In addition, a high-level committee has been constituted to monitor implementation. The committee will conduct inspections across various hospitals for ensuring the rules are followed properly, informed the Health Minister. 

Several hospitals were reportedly not including pre-admission tests under the Ayushman scheme. The Minister noted the government received complaints regarding this issue through media reports and social media platforms.

Today, a review meeting was held by the Health Minister with departmental officials and representatives of private hospitals to address the concerns and streamline the process.

The Health Department emphasised on the importance of proper conduct by hospital staff towards patients and their attendants. Hospitals have been instructed to provide quality treatment and ensure no complaints arise regarding patient care or behaviour, the Health Minister stated.