Srinagar 18 June(KNB): The Jammu and Kashmir Private Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) today reiterated that its decision for mass de-empanelment from the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY / SEHAT Scheme will proceed from 1st July 2026, citing lack of concrete action from the administration despite repeated assurances.
“Since our press statement announcing mass de-empanelment from the scheme, we have received only verbal assurances from the Government. There have been no concrete steps to streamline the scheme or resolve long-pending issues,” the Association said.
The spokesperson stated, “We remain committed to Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Ayushman Bharat scheme. However, it is unfortunate that since March 2024 the scheme is in its most non-performing state. We are forced to continue with our mass de-empanelment as no concrete steps are being taken to streamline claim processing, package rates, and authorizations.”
“Every year we have to fight to get our genuine dues released. Each time we receive only assurances but no systemic fix. Hospitals are running on financial stress while providing cashless treatment to patients,” JKPHDA added.
The Association highlighted that dues worth several hundred crores are pending with the State Health Agency (SHA), causing severe working capital issues for small and mid-sized hospitals. This directly impacts their ability to purchase medicines, consumables, and maintain staff.
In the proposed mass de empanelment of Hospitals,Maintenance Haemodialysis patients will be the worst hit. Dialysis is life-saving and is needed 3 times a week, thousands of poor patients under SEHAT will lose cashless access and be forced to pay Rs 8,000–10,000 per month from their own pockets.
JKPHDA maintains that it supports the vision of Ayushman Bharat but requests immediate steps on pending payments, rationalization of package rates, and faster pre-authorization to make the scheme sustainable.”We do not want to stop treating poor patients, but we cannot continue services without a financially viable system,” the statement concluded.
“We urge Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ji, and Hon’ble Health Minister Sakeena Itoo ji to personally intervene and appeal them to chair the Governing Council meeting on 23rd June so that to ensure the scheme is streamlined.(KNB)