Gorakhpur News: Ayushman Bharat Scheme Fails At BRD Medical College As Cardholders Buying Own Implants After Weeks Of Waiting

The ground reality of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is currently under scrutiny at BRD Medical College, where the promise of free medical treatment is failing for many eligible patients. Despite holding valid Ayushman cards, patients admitted to the orthopaedic ward are being compelled to purchase surgical implants from their own pockets, defeating the fundamental objective of the government's cashless treatment scheme.

Supply Chain Failure And Patient Plight

The crisis stems from a complete halt in the delivery of implants by the designated supplier, A Gold Shield Pharma. This stoppage has created a difficult situation for patients: those who can arrange funds are cancelling their Ayushman registration to buy implants privately, while those who cannot afford to pay are left waiting indefinitely in the ward.

Case Studies: Beneficiaries Opting Out Due to Delays Several recent cases highlight the severity of the situation:

Kamlesh (Deoria): A resident of Gauri Bazar, Kamlesh was admitted on November 3, with a broken left leg sustained in a road accident. Despite having an Ayushman card, no implant was provided. After a 14-day wait, he cancelled his Ayushman registration on November 17, and purchased the implant externally to proceed with his surgery.

Rajendra (Tamkuhi Raj): Admitted to Bed No 1 in Ward No 3 on November 3, with a broken right foot, Rajendra faced a similar ordeal. After waiting days for an implant that never arrived, he cancelled his registration on November 13, out of compulsion and paid for the implant himself.

Bharat (Gauri Bazar): Admitted since November 10, with severe damage to his right leg, Bharat remains stuck in the hospital. Doctors have informed him that implants are delayed and suggested he seek treatment elsewhere. However, due to his poor financial condition, he cannot afford private care or the cost of an implant, leaving him stranded on his hospital bed.

The Dispute: Pending Payments vs. Rate Issues According to hospital staff, A Gold Shield Pharma supplies implants for both the Gorakhpur Relief Fund and Ayushman beneficiaries. It is reported that payment of approximately Rs 15 lakh to the company is pending, which is alleged to be the reason for the supply halt.

However, official sources state that the company has stopped supplies claiming inability to provide implants at the previously specified government rates.

Also Read: Delhi Traffic Advisory: Routes Diverted & Roads Closed For Martyrdom Day Events Till Nov 25| Check Details

Official Statement And Future Course

Dr BN Shukla, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of BRD Medical College, acknowledged the disruption and outlined the administration's response.

"The company that provides implants has stopped the supply. It claims that it is unable to provide implants at the specified rate. Following this, a new tendering process has been initiated. The responsibility will be assigned to a company soon. This company will supply implants to the Super Speciality block as well as Nehru Hospital. This will also bring relief to cardiac and neuro patients" said, Dr BN Shukla

Also Read: Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Line: Project To Be Completed By Dec 2028, Confirm Officials