Srinagar, August 23(KNB): Empaneled hospitals and dialysis centers under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir have issued a joint appeal to the public, warning that they will be unable to provide free services to eligible patients beyond August 31, 2024, due to non-release of funds.
The healthcare providers, who have been struggling to sustain operations since March 15, 2024, cited a prolonged legal dispute between the government and insurance company IFFCO Tokio as the reason for the delay in releasing approximately ₹300 crore in funds.
Despite the State Health Agency’s orders, IFFCO Tokio has failed to clear payments for wrongly rejected and deducted cases, pushing the healthcare providers to the brink. With suppliers refusing to extend credit beyond August 31, the hospitals and dialysis centers will be forced to offer services only on a cash basis, affecting thousands of patients relying on the scheme.
The healthcare providers have appealed to the authorities for an immediate resolution, emphasizing the direct impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The situation has raised concerns about the fate of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in the region, leaving eligible patients uncertain about their access to healthcare services.(KNB)