Pending payments: J&K’s private hospitals threaten to stop services from Aug 31

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association under AB-PMJAY SEHAT Scheme on Friday threatened to stop their services in J&K due to pending payments with State Health Agency (SHA) from March 2024.

They said since March 15, 2024, their payments under Ayushman Bharat Scheme amounting to approximately Rs 300cr haven’t been released, leading to a severe financial strain.

“For the past six months, we have exhausted all means to continue providing services under this scheme. A prolonged legal battle between the government and the insurance company, IFFCO Tokio, has delayed the resolution of this issue,” it said.

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.

“We regret to inform you that we will not be able to cater to Golden Card patients beyond August 31, 2024, till the payments are released. Our suppliers, who have supported us on credit until now, have categorically denied extending credit beyond this date,” he said.

The association said they remain committed to Ayushman Bharat Scheme and are dedicated to providing best possible care to all patients.

“However, until the funds are released and and creditors resume their services, we will only be able to offer services on a cash basis,” they said.

The association said they regret any inconvenience and appealed to the authorities for an immediate resolution of the issue as it directly impacts people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The private dialysis centres and hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (AB-PMJAY) haven’t received payments for services for PS-7 Scheme since March 14 due to dispute between State Health Agency and insurance company leaving them to suffer.

“An official meeting with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ayushmaan Bharat was held in April and it was assured that the matter will be solved by the first week of May 2024 however that was not done,” the spokesperson 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.

On August 13, the Srinagar branch of the association met Deputy Commissioner Srinagar for release of emergency funds to continue services over pending payments. A letter was submitted to DC Srinagar in his office mentioning the paucity of funds and collapse of the whole system if emergency funds under DCs jurisdiction are not released. (RK)