*Rs 250 crore dues push hospitals to the brink
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: Private hospitals and dialysis centres across Jammu and Kashmir have warned of a mass withdrawal from the Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Scheme from July 1 if the Government fails to clear pending reimbursements amounting to nearly Rs 250 crore and address longstanding issues in claim settlement.
The warning was issued today by the Jammu & Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA), which alleged that persistent delays in payments under the flagship health insurance scheme have pushed many empanelled institutions into severe financial distress, jeopardizing the continuity of critical healthcare services.
In a statement, the Association said private healthcare providers have continued to deliver essential services, including dialysis, intensive care, oncology treatment, cardiac interventions, trauma care and major surgeries, despite the mounting burden of unpaid claims. According to JKPHDA, dues of around Rs 250 crore remain pending with the Government, placing enormous pressure on hospitals and dialysis centres across the Union Territory.
JKPHDA claimed that delayed reimbursements, coupled with deductions and rejection of claims without an effective review mechanism, have significantly affected the operational sustainability of healthcare institutions. The Association noted that hospitals are struggling to maintain supplies of medicines, consumables and medical equipment while meeting salary and infrastructure costs.
The Association expressed particular concern over the rising cost of healthcare products amid global supply-chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. It said the shortage and escalating prices of critical cancer drugs such as Cisplatin and Carboplatin, along with the high procurement costs of cardiac stents and orthopaedic implants, have further intensified the crisis.
JKPHDA also questioned the utilization of Ayushman Bharat funds, alleging that over Rs 180 crore remains unutilized with public hospitals while private hospitals and dialysis centres continue to await payments for approved claims. It called for separate and streamlined payment mechanisms for public and private healthcare institutions to ensure transparency and timely disbursement of funds.
The Association further claimed that restrictions on certain procedures in private hospitals have resulted in prolonged waiting periods, with patients reportedly facing delays of several months for surgeries such as gall bladder removal and haemorrhoidectomy.
Demanding immediate settlement of pending claims along with applicable interest as per National Health Authority guidelines and contractual provisions, JKPHDA urged the UT Administration and State Health Agency to intervene without delay.
The Association warned that unless corrective measures are implemented urgently, empanelled private hospitals and dialysis centres will begin de-empanelment from the scheme from July 1, a move that could affect healthcare access for thousands of beneficiaries across J&K.
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