IFFCO-TOKIO row: Pvt Insurance Company’s exit won’t affect beneficiaries: Govt

Srinagar, Sept 03: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has assured that the discontinuation of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY SEHAT scheme by private insurance company IFFCO-TOKIO will not affect the treatments of beneficiaries under the scheme. The move comes after private hospitals and dialysis centers halted their services under the scheme due to unpaid payments of Rs 160 crore with the State Health Agency. The suspension of services under the scheme, also known as the Golden Card, has affected those who rely on this scheme for affordable healthcare at private facilities.
CEO, State Health Agency, Sanjiv M. Gadkar said the government is committed to providing the best health services to all patients and beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir. “We have geared up our machinery to provide treatment to all patients through our robust public hospitals, so that no patient is left without treatment,” he said. ” IFFCO Tokio has discontinued the implementation of the scheme with effect from 15.03.2024, due to which the EHCPs are not receiving any payments for the treatments given to the patients under the scheme,” he said.
Earlier, the High Court in a judgment had directed the insurance company to implement the scheme. However, so far the insurance company has not started implementing the scheme.
“Patients facing issues with denial of treatments at private hospitals can call the toll-free number 104 and register their names. The State Health Agency will ensure that patients receive treatment in nearby public hospitals free of cost under the scheme,” the CEO said. The Government of J&K remains committed to the principles of the AB-PM JAY/SEHAT scheme, which aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to all.
He said the health and well-being of citizens remain top priority, upholding the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana/SEHAT.
“The dialysis patients don’t need to panic and worry about refusal of treatment by private EHCPs under a golden card. Government of J&K assures that all patients will be provided free and timely treatment under the Golden card in EHCPs,” he said.