Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 19

Private hospitals and dialysis centres in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday reaffirmed their decision to withdraw en masse from the Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme from July 1, saying repeated assurances from authorities had failed to resolve longstanding financial and administrative issues.

The Jammu and Kashmir Private Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) said it would proceed with its planned de-empanelment from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the region’s SEHAT scheme unless immediate corrective measures were taken.

The association said several rounds of discussions had taken place with government officials since the proposed withdrawal was announced, but no substantive action had followed.

“We remain fully committed to the objectives of Ayushman Bharat, but the scheme is currently passing through its most non-performing phase,” the association said in a statement.

According to the group, empanelled hospitals have faced persistent delays in reimbursement of claims, inadequate package rates, cumbersome authorisation procedures and growing financial liabilities.

Hospital operators said the problems had created severe cash-flow pressures, making it increasingly difficult to continue providing cashless treatment services under the scheme.

The association alleged that outstanding payments amounting to several hundred crore rupees remain pending with the State Health Agency, affecting the financial viability of many institutions.

Administrators said delayed payments had hindered procurement of medicines and medical supplies and complicated efforts to maintain staffing levels.

The group warned that the dispute could have serious consequences for patients dependent on private healthcare facilities under the scheme.

Particular concern was expressed over dialysis services, which thousands of economically weaker patients currently receive free of cost through empanelled centres.

“If private dialysis centres withdraw from the scheme, many vulnerable patients could lose access to life-saving treatment,” the association said.

The group urged authorities to immediately clear pending dues, revise package rates to reflect current healthcare costs and streamline approval procedures.

The association appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo to intervene personally and facilitate a resolution.

It also requested Sinha to chair a scheduled Governing Council meeting on June 23, expressing hope that high-level intervention could help restore confidence among healthcare providers and prevent disruption of services.

“We do not wish to discontinue treatment for poor and deserving patients,” the association said. “But healthcare services cannot be sustained indefinitely without a financially viable framework.”

The government has not yet publicly responded to the latest statement.