Srinagar, Sept 13:
Private hospitals and dialysis centres in Jammu and Kashmir will resume services under the AB-PMJAY SEHAT Scheme from tomorrow after receiving assurances from the government regarding the release of pending dues.
The Jammu and Kashmir Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association had suspended services on September 2, citing unpaid bills totaling Rs 160 crore, owed by the State Health Agency since March 2024. This disruption impacted patients relying on affordable healthcare at private facilities.
The suspension followed the failure of private insurance company IFFCO-TOKIO to comply with a High Court directive, which instructed the insurer to continue service under the scheme as per the terms of the contract agreement. Despite the court’s orders, the insurance provider halted services in mid-March.
A breakthrough came on Friday after a meeting convened by Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, who assured that the pending dues would be cleared promptly. “The dues will be disbursed in the shortest possible time,” Shah emphasized, adding that the matter was being handled in compliance with High Court directions.
Faizan Mir, President of the Kashmir region chapter of the association, noted that a similar assurance had been given earlier in an official meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PMJAY in April, who had promised that the matter would be resolved by May 2024. However, the release of payments was delayed.
In May, a letter was submitted to the Chief Secretary through the CEO of Ayushman Bharat, warning that services would be suspended unless funds were released by May 31. Despite assurances from the Health Secretary during an online meeting with private hospitals and dialysis centres, no payments were made, leading to the strike earlier this month.
Sandeep, President of the Jammu region chapter, stated that the association had submitted letters to the District Commissioners, highlighting the financial strain on hospitals and warning of system collapse if emergency funds were not disbursed. No funds were released at that time.
Following the September 2 strike, the association met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also pledged swift action to resolve the issue.
Dr. Masood ul Hassan, General Secretary of the association, announced the decision to resume services after Friday’s assurances from Secretary Shah. “In the interest of the public, services under the Golden Card will resume from tomorrow morning,” Hassan said. The association expressed gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and CEO Sanjiv M Gadkar for prioritizing the issue and ensuring the release of funds.
