Seeks LG to resolve the issue
Jammu Tawi, Jun 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Private Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) has reiterated its decision to withdraw private hospitals and dialysis centres from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and SEHAT Scheme from July 1, 2026, alleging that the government has failed to address their long-pending concerns despite repeated assurances.
The association said several rounds of discussions have been held with the administration since the announcement of the proposed withdrawal, but no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the issues confronting empanelled healthcare institutions.
While reaffirming its commitment to the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, JKPHDA claimed that the programme has been witnessing its most challenging phase since March 2024. According to the association, hospitals are grappling with delayed claim settlements, inadequate package rates, cumbersome pre-authorisation procedures and mounting financial liabilities, making it increasingly difficult to continue providing cashless treatment.
The association stated that despite repeated assurances from the authorities, no meaningful action has been taken to streamline the scheme or provide a permanent solution to recurring problems. It alleged that hospitals are forced to repeatedly seek the release of their legitimate dues every year.
JKPHDA claimed that pending payments amounting to several hundred crores of rupees remain stuck with the State Health Agency (SHA), causing severe financial strain, particularly for small and medium-sized healthcare institutions. Hospital administrators said delayed reimbursements have affected their ability to procure medicines and medical supplies and maintain adequate staffing levels.
The association also expressed concern over the potential impact on dialysis patients if private centres withdraw from the scheme. It said thousands of economically weaker patients currently receiving free dialysis under SEHAT could lose access to cashless treatment if the deadlock continues.
Reiterating its support for the flagship health scheme, JKPHDA urged the government to immediately release pending payments, revise package rates in line with rising healthcare costs and simplify authorisation procedures to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.
The association appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo to personally intervene and resolve the issues. It specifically requested the Lieutenant Governor to convene and chair the Governing Council meeting scheduled for June 23, expressing hope that decisive action at the highest level could help avert disruption of healthcare services for thousands of beneficiaries across Jammu and Kashmir.
