After private hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir decided to exit the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY SEHAT scheme, the government intervened by allocating a Rs 175 crore package. This move aims to settle pending bills of various hospitals under the national healthcare scheme. J&K is the sole Union Territory where every household is eligible for this scheme, regardless of income criteria.
In a significant development, private hospitals and dialysis centers in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily halted their decision to withdraw from the Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme. This decision follows the government’s approval of releasing Rs 175 crore to clear long-pending reimbursement claims. The Health and Medical Education Department has sanctioned this amount to settle outstanding payments owed to empaneled private healthcare institutions.
The allocated funds are set to be channeled through the State Health Agency (SHA), initiating the reimbursement process. However, officials anticipate that the transfer and distribution of funds might take a few days to complete. This action comes amidst uncertainties surrounding the SEHAT scheme’s future, triggered by the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centers Association’s plan to exit the program due to financial stress caused by delayed claim settlements.
Officials engaged in discussions with private healthcare institutions’ representatives have assured the immediate release of the sanctioned amount. Consequently, the association has agreed to postpone its de-empanelment plan and continue offering healthcare services under the scheme. Despite this positive development, hospital authorities stress the importance of promptly clearing dues to maintain quality healthcare services. They emphasize the urgent release of pending payments, especially those accumulated over the past three months, to ensure seamless operations of hospitals and dialysis centers in the Union Territory.
Private healthcare providers had raised concerns about prolonged reimbursement delays impacting operations and essential services like dialysis, oncology care, and emergency medical services. With outstanding liabilities exceeding Rs 250 crore, the association had warned of withdrawing from the scheme. The government’s decision to release funds is viewed as a significant move to uphold healthcare services under the SEHAT initiative, providing cashless medical treatment to residents in Jammu and Kashmir.
Healthcare stakeholders have welcomed the government’s financial support, expressing optimism that it will enhance confidence among empaneled hospitals. They believe this assistance will ensure uninterrupted patient care and address reimbursement-related issues in the long run.
