Govt to clear pending health bills 'within a week'

Under fire for non-payment of bills to hospitals under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the government said the pending amount is likely to be cleared "within a week" and also announced a revision of payments as demanded by private hospitals association.

The Union Health ministry, which has been under flak for failing to ensure smooth functioning of CGHS facilities, issued a statement claiming media reports about hospitals refusing to entertain patients under the scheme were false.