Srinagar, Aug 31: The private hospitals and dialysis centres in Jammu and Kashmir will suspend the medical services under Ayushmaan Bharat Scheme from September 02 owing to non-payment of dues for the last six months.
The private dialysis centres and hospitals haven’t received payments amounting to approximately Rs 160 crore for services since March 14 due to dispute between State Health Agency and IFFCO Tokio, insurance company leading to a severe financial strain to them.
A spokesperson of Jammu and Kashmir Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association, said that the association had recently made an appeal with regret to the general public of J&K showing their inability to continue their services.
Their distributors and suppliers who have supported them on credit until now, have categorically denied extending credit beyond September end.
“Pertinently the High Court had directed the insurance company IFFCO Tokio for the larger public interest, to continue with the existing arrangement as per terms & condition of the contract agreement but unfortunately they did not comply with the court orders, which has forced the hospitals to suspend the services from 2nd September,” the association said.
“Based on the court order, the State Health Agency had communicated with the IFFCO Tokio in writing to follow the court orders but unfortunately they did not comply with the same,” it said.
The association said that they are committed to the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and are dedicated to providing the best possible care to all our patients.
“However, until the funds are released and our suppliers and creditors resume their services, we will only be able to offer services on a cash basis,” it further said.
Since March 15, 2024, the payments of private hospitals and dialysis centres under Ayushman Bharat Scheme haven’t been released, leading to a severe financial strain.
A spokesperson of the association said despite the matter being of utmost public health importance, the payments wrongfully rejected and deducted cases have not been released by IFFCO Tokio, even though SHA J&K has issued orders for the same.
“However, until the funds are released and our suppliers and creditors resume their services, we will only be able to offer services on a cash basis,” they said.
On May 31, 2024, Secretary Health had conveyed a virtual meeting with all private hospitals and dialysis centres of Jammu & Kashmir and they were assured that their money is safe and the matter will be sorted out soon.
