Srinagar, Jun 19 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Private Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) has reaffirmed its decision to proceed with a mass de-empanelment of private hospitals and dialysis centres from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and SEHAT Scheme from July 1, 2026, citing the government's failure to address long-pending issues despite repeated assurances.
The association members said that although several rounds of discussions have taken place with the administration since the announcement of the proposed withdrawal, no tangible measures have been implemented to resolve the challenges being faced by empanelled healthcare institutions.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the members said the association remains fully committed to the vision and objectives of the flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but expressed concern over what it described as the scheme's "most non-performing phase" since March 2024.
According to JKPHDA, private hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir have been struggling with delayed claim settlements, inadequate package rates, cumbersome authorisation procedures and mounting financial liabilities, making it increasingly difficult to continue providing cashless treatment services under the scheme.
"Since our announcement regarding mass de-empanelment, we have received only verbal assurances from the authorities. While commitments have been made, no concrete action has been taken to streamline the scheme or address the long-standing issues affecting healthcare providers," the association said.
The JKPHDA alleged that hospitals are compelled to repeatedly seek the release of their legitimate dues every year, only to receive assurances without any permanent systemic solution.
"Healthcare institutions are under severe financial stress. Despite continuing to provide cashless treatment to beneficiaries, hospitals are struggling to sustain operations due to delayed reimbursements and unresolved administrative bottlenecks," it said.
The association further claimed that dues amounting to several hundred crores of rupees remain pending with the State Health Agency (SHA), creating significant working capital challenges for private hospitals, particularly small and medium-sized institutions.
Hospital administrators warned that the delay in payments has affected their ability to procure medicines, medical consumables, and maintain adequate staffing levels, potentially impacting the quality and continuity of healthcare services.
JKPHDA also expressed serious concern over the likely impact of the de-empanelment on dialysis patients, describing them as the most vulnerable group likely to suffer if the impasse continues.
The association noted that maintenance of haemodialysis is a life-saving treatment that must be administered multiple times each week. "If private dialysis centres withdraw from the scheme, thousands of economically weaker patients currently receiving free dialysis under SEHAT may lose access to cashless treatment," it said.
Reiterating its support for the Ayushman Bharat initiative, JKPHDA urged the government to immediately release pending payments, revise package rates in line with current healthcare costs, and simplify and expedite pre-authorisation procedures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme.
"We do not wish to discontinue treatment for poor and deserving patients. However, healthcare services cannot be sustained indefinitely without a financially viable framework that supports hospitals and healthcare workers," the association said.
The association appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo to personally intervene and facilitate an immediate resolution of the issues.
JKPHDA specifically urged the LG to convene and chair the Governing Council meeting scheduled for June 23, expressing hope that decisive action at the highest level could help streamline the scheme, restore confidence among healthcare providers and prevent disruption of services for thousands of beneficiaries across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)