Srinagar 29 June(KNB): In a major relief for thousands of patients across Jammu & Kashmir, the strike called by the Jammu & Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) has been deferred by two weeks following concrete assurances from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)/SEHAT Scheme.
A meeting was called today by the CEO, ABPMJAY/SEHAT scheme in his office chambers in the presence of Chief Accounts Officer. On the directions of Faizan Mir President (Kashmir region) and Sandeep Mengi(President,Jammu region),the JKPHDA delegation was led by Dr Masood ul Hassan, General Secretary, along with Executive Members, Dr Ibrahim Guru, Mr Sajad Lone, Dr. Mushtaq Purzgar, Dr. Nazira, and Dr. Bilal.The CEO listened to all the demands of the Association keenly, with specific focus on uninterrupted dialysis, chemotherapy, emergency surgeries, and ICU care for poor patients under Ayushman Bharat/SEHAT scheme.
The CEO assured that all genuine demands will be deliberated upon at the highest level and accepted in a time- bound manner.
As a confidence- building measure, the CEO confirmed that pending payments to empaneled hospitals will start getting disbursed from tomorrow.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Masood ul Hassan said, “We are not here to fight. We are here to treat. We thank the CEO for his patient hearing and swift assurance. Our hospitals were on the verge of collapse due to 6 months of unpaid dues.The CEO’s commitment to release funds gives us hope. In the interest of poor patients of J&K, we are deferring our strike by two weeks.”
“We will closely watch the disbursement over the next 14 days. Our dialysis and cancer patients cannot wait. If the assurances translate into action on the ground, we will continue services without disruption. If not, we will be forced to review our decision,” Dr. Hassan added.
JKPHDA requests all patients not to panic. Dialysis, chemotherapy, surgeries and all other Ayushman Bharat/SEHAT scheme services will continue normally in private hospitals across J&K. Patients are advised to visit their hospitals as per schedule.
The Association thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Health Minister,Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary Health for intervening and facilitating today’s meeting. We also thank the media and civil society for highlighting the plight of patients and hospitals.(KNB)