Doctors registered under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) in the district are refusing to treat patients for almost a month, alleging that payment of around Rs 1.5 crore is due with the insurance company concerned.

There are 26 clinics and hospitals registered with the Centre-sponsored scheme, which is executed by Bihar State Labour Welfare Society in the district. The scheme aims to provide insurance to below poverty line (BPL) families for treatment.

The insurance firm is supposed to clear the dues within three weeks after discharge of a patient from a clinic. BPL families can use a health smart card to avail benefits of up to Rs 30,000 a year.

Asha Devi (40), who is suffering from some gynaecological problem, on Wednesday approached a surgeon at Line Bazaar but was allegedly denied treatment. “I am suffering for quite some time. I tried to meet the doctor. The employees at his clinic said I cannot get treatment against the smart card,” she said.

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana Private Hospital Association’s Purnea unit secretary Dr Anand said: “We have stopped treating patients for a month, as we are yet to get our dues from the insurance company. We prepare bills in accordance with the memorandum where the treatment of diseases has been specified.”

Bihar State Labour Welfare Society executive director P.N. Jha, said: “Around Rs 78 lakh is due with various clinics, while claims of about Rs 50 lakh have been rejected. Payment of Rs 30 lakh is likely to be done in a day or two, on assurance that the doctors will continue to treat the patients.

Manav Prakash, the nodal officer of the insurance firm, said: “The company will reimburse the bills of the doctors registered under RSBY.”