Sasaram: A financial deadlock between the Bihar govt and Uttar Pradesh’s premier medical institutions has left thousands of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries of Bihar in a lurch. For over 30 days, the BHU Trauma Centre in Varanasi—a critical healthcare hub for Western Bihar—has suspended cashless treatment for Bihar residents, citing an unsettled debt of Rs8 crore.The suspension has triggered a healthcare crisis in border districts, including Kaimur, Rohtas and Buxar. Patients arriving for emergency surgeries and specialised care are being turned away at the registration counters.
For the rural poor of Bihar, the Varanasi Trauma Centre is often the only accessible facility for advanced medical intervention.The issue has now reached the Bihar legislative assembly. MLA Satish Kumar Singh has demanded an immediate release of funds, criticising the administrative apathy that has stalled the flagship central scheme. Buxar MP Sudhakar Singh also escalated the matter to the CM’s office, urging a swift clearance of Rs8 crore.A senior officer of Bihar Health Society on condition of anonymity said Rs24 crore had already been paid and process for the rest amount is being initiated.For the residents of Kaimur, Rohtas, and Buxar, the preference for Varanasi over the state capital, Patna, is a matter of survival. Kaimur is situated a mere 60 km away from Varanasi, while Rohtas is roughly 120 km away. In contrast, Patna lies 170 to 200 km from these districts.The six-lane stretch of NH-2 allows ambulances to reach BHU in 90 to 150 minutes, whereas the journey to Patna can exceed five hours. “Every minute is critical for a trauma patient. The time saved by travelling to Varanasi often represents the difference between life and death,” said Dr S N Mishra, former chief medical officer. Records from the State Health Society said 90% of attendants of critically ill patients referred from sadar hospitals and PHCs in these districts choose Varanasi over PMCH Patna for its superior facilities and proximity.The current crisis is compounded by a controversial 2023 directive from the State Health Society, which prohibits govt ambulances from transporting referred patients to healthcare institutions outside the state. This policy is a double whammy for the poor families.“The Ayushman card has become a piece of plastic for the poor as they are not entertained in UP in absence of dues clearance,” said an observer.
