MP Cancels Ayushman Recognition of 126 Hospitals Over Missing NABH Certificates

The Madhya Pradesh Ayushman Bharat Niramayam scheme has withdrawn recognition from 126 private hospitals in four major cities for failing to submit details of NABH accreditation on time. This move immediately stops free treatment under the scheme for patients at these facilities.

The action affects 51 hospitals in Bhopal, 30 in Indore, 33 in Gwalior and 12 in Jabalpur. Out of 398 empanelled hospitals in these cities, these 126 could not provide the required National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) information despite notices.

Ayushman officials had issued prior notices and granted time to comply. When hospitals did not respond, the scheme proceeded with de-empanelment. Notices confirming the decision were scheduled to reach the hospitals on Sunday at noon.

Quality Push in Ayushman Scheme

This step forms part of a broader effort to raise treatment standards under the flagship health insurance programme. Ayushman Bharat aims to provide cashless care up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to eligible beneficiaries, particularly the poor and vulnerable sections.

Dr Yogesh Bharasat, CEO of Ayushman Bharat Madhya Pradesh, explained the rationale. “This action has been taken to improve the quality of treatment in hospitals. Strict enforcement of rules is being ensured so that patients receive safe and better healthcare,” he said.

NABH certification evaluates hospitals against more than 600 standards covering patient safety, hygiene, availability of medicines, nursing care, emergency services and surgical protocols. Authorities view it as a reliable guarantee of quality and trustworthy care.

City-Wise Breakup and Total Impact

In the four cities combined, 398 hospitals were earlier linked to the scheme. The 126 now de-empanelled represent a significant portion, with Bhopal bearing the highest number at 51. Indore follows with 30, while Gwalior and Jabalpur account for the rest.

Patients who hold Ayushman cards can no longer avail free treatment at these facilities. They will need to seek care at remaining empanelled hospitals or government facilities.

Benefits for Compliant Hospitals

Hospitals that already hold full NABH accreditation will gain from “deemed empanelment”. They can join the scheme directly without fresh inspections, simplifying the process.

Other hospitals must first secure entry-level NABH certification. They will then have three years to achieve full accreditation. This structured approach is expected to gradually lift overall standards across the network.

Payment structures under the scheme will now link to quality levels. Full NABH hospitals will receive 115 per cent of the claim amount. Those with entry-level certification will get an additional 10 per cent. The incentive aims to encourage better infrastructure, trained staff and patient-centric services.

Patient Feedback to Play Key Role

The scheme plans to strengthen monitoring through direct patient input. Beneficiaries will soon submit feedback via a mobile app after treatment. This data will help evaluate hospital performance and support timely action against poor services.

Such transparency measures are expected to build greater accountability and improve the overall experience for Ayushman card holders.

Background and Earlier Warnings

The directive follows months of preparation. Earlier communications had made it clear that NABH compliance would become mandatory for continued empanelment in these major urban centres. Hospitals were given opportunities to upgrade or submit details, but many failed to act within the deadline.

This is not the first instance of de-empanelment in Madhya Pradesh. Past actions have targeted hospitals for various compliance issues, though the current drive focuses specifically on accreditation to align with national quality benchmarks.

Impact on Patients and Healthcare Sector

For ordinary citizens relying on Ayushman Bharat, the immediate effect is a reduced choice of private hospitals in key cities. Many beneficiaries may now turn to government facilities or other compliant private providers. Officials maintain that sufficient empanelled options remain available to ensure uninterrupted care.

On the hospital side, the move sends a strong signal. Smaller or less-equipped facilities may face pressure to invest in upgrades or risk losing a steady stream of scheme patients. Larger ones with existing accreditation stand to gain market advantage.

Health experts see this as a positive shift towards value-based care. By tying empanelment and payments to verifiable quality parameters, the government aims to reduce variations in treatment outcomes and enhance patient safety.

What Lies Ahead

Ayushman authorities have indicated that further reviews will continue. Hospitals that lost recognition can still apply for re-empanelment once they meet NABH requirements. The focus remains on expanding quality-assured facilities across the state.

Patients are advised to check the official Ayushman app or portal for the latest list of empanelled hospitals before seeking treatment. The scheme’s helpline will also assist beneficiaries facing any difficulties.

This development in Madhya Pradesh reflects a growing national emphasis on quality in public health programmes. As Ayushman Bharat expands its reach, similar measures could influence empanelment norms in other states.

In the coming months, officials will monitor implementation closely while encouraging hospitals to embrace higher standards. For millions of families covered under the scheme, the ultimate goal is access to reliable, dignified and effective healthcare without financial burden.