The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has called on Star Health and Allied Insurance to immediately restore cashless treatment facilities at several hospitals across the country, following a sudden suspension that has left patients bearing out-of-pocket medical expenses.
In a strongly worded appeal, AHPI raised concerns about the insurer’s move to disrupt cashless services at prominent hospitals, including Manipal (Delhi and Gurugram), Max (across North India), Medanta (Lucknow), Care Hospitals (Visakhapatnam), Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (Delhi), Sarvodaya (Faridabad), Metro (Faridabad), and Yatharth Hospitals.
“Patients with valid insurance policies are being forced to pay upfront for treatment, placing immense financial strain on families during medical emergencies,” said Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI. “This is not just a breach of service but also a violation of trust.”
The association also alleged that Star Health has either delayed or denied empanelment to several hospitals, including Fortis Manesar, Medanta Noida, Max Dwarka, and Care Hospitals in Hyderabad and Vizag. These hospitals are awaiting approval to be part of Star Health’s cashless network, which would allow policyholders to access treatment without upfront payments.
AHPI has urged the insurer to expedite the empanelment process and reinstate cashless services immediately, warning that continued disruptions could lead to significant distress for patients and reputational damage for the insurer.
Star Health has yet to issue a formal response on the matter.
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