Srinagar 27 March(KNB): The J&K Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDCA) strongly condemns the de-empanelment of Shifa Hospital from the list of empaneled hospitals, citing the hospital’s refusal to honor SEHAT scheme insurance patients due to an expired contract. This decision is particularly egregious given that all hospitals in the region are currently on strike because of the same reason,yet Shifa Hospital is being singled out for punitive action.
In a handout issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau-KNB JKPHDCA spokesperson said that, we view this move as selective targeting and suppressing our voice aimed at intimidating and coercing Shifa Hospital into accepting unfair terms. The fact that all hospitals are on strike underscores the systemic issues i.e., 10 percent reduction in the present package and restriction of 4 surgical procedures to public hospitals, which are plaguing the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
This de-empanelment will have devastating consequences for patients who rely on insurance coverage, leaving them vulnerable and without access to essential healthcare services. We demand that the authorities reconsider this decision and engage in constructive dialogue with Shifa Hospital and all stakeholders to resolve the contract and other issues and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
The JKPHDCA stands in solidarity with Shifa Hospital and the entire healthcare community, advocating for fair treatment, equitable resolution of contract disputes, and the protection of patients’ rights, he said.(KNB)