Srinagar, Jan 14(KNB): The State Health Agency (SHA) has suspended the empanelment of Shifa Medical Centre, Srinagar, for six months, imposing a penalty of Rs 26.15 lakh for violating guidelines issued by the National Health Authority (NHA).
According to an order issued by SHA, the hospital was found guilty of coercing patients to incur out-of-pocket expenditure and denying treatment to patients, despite being empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and AB PM-JAY SEHAT schemes.
The SHA received several complaints against the hospital, prompting it to conduct a surprise visit on November 23, 2024. The visit revealed blatant violations of guidelines, including coercing patients to pay for services, order said.
Despite being served with show-cause notices, the hospital failed to respond, leading to the suspension. However, in the interest of dialysis patients, the hospital will continue to provide dialysis treatment to existing patients under the AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT scheme.
The hospital has been directed to deposit the penalty amount within five working days.(KNB)