Specialist Shortage to Trigger Referrals to Higher Centres, Says CG Health Ministry

The health department has added a critical clause for hospitals lacking specialist doctors or essential medical infrastructure. If a facility cannot provide the required expertise for a particular disease covered under Ayushman Bharat, it is prohibited from admitting the patient merely on the basis of the scheme. Instead, the patient must be promptly referred to a higher‑level centre equipped with the necessary specialist.

The circular stresses that delays in referral can jeopardise critical care, especially for severe cases. Hospital managers must maintain an up‑to‑date directory of nearby higher centres, and a dedicated liaison officer should facilitate swift transfers. This measure aims to ensure that beneficiaries receive timely, appropriate care without unnecessary hospital stays that do not add therapeutic value.