Hospitals Raise Objection Over EHS

Telangana government’s newly launched New Employees Health Scheme (EHS) for government employees, pensioners and their families is facing hurdles due to disagreements between private hospitals and the government over treatment package rates. The Telangana Health Network Hospitals Association (TENHA) has stated that the CGHS-based rates fixed by the government are not practical for providing quality medical services. Though contributions from employees and pensioners have already been deducted, uncertainty continues over the availability of cashless healthcare services across the state.

While the government claims that 886 hospitals are part of the EHS network, only a limited number of hospitals are currently ready to provide services. Hospital associations argue that the revised rates are lower than the previous EHS and Aarogyasri packages, making it difficult to manage treatment costs. Experts suggest that with an estimated annual fund of around ₹1,080 crore, the government could explore better insurance-based models. Hospital representatives have urged the government to revise rates and include healthcare providers in policy decisions to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.