JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir State Health Agency (SHA) has rebutted the news published in Daily Excelsior reporting that the hospitals in Jammu have stopped taking new cases under the Ayushman Bharat scheme due to an ongoing tussle between State Health Agency (SHA) and the concerned Insurance Company resulting in non-payments to empanelled private hospitals.
As per a communique received here today in this regard, the SHA has clarified that the private empanelled hospitals are key stakeholders in the implementation of free treatments to the beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. In the past two years, the private Hospitals have been paid regularly as per the guidelines of the scheme without any interruption. The primary cause of the delays in payments to the privately empanelled hospitals is the ongoing legal proceedings involving IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company for the premature attempt to exit from the contract from 15th March 2024, which was initially set to run until March 2025 (the contract is for 3 years tenure).
The document added that the government of Jammu and Kashmir is acutely aware of the issues concerning delayed payments by the Insurance company IFCO Tokio to the private empanelled hospitals and dialysis centres under the AB-PMJAY/SEHAT scheme. It fully comprehends and acknowledges the financial strain these delays have imposed on our healthcare partners due to non-payment from the side of IFFCO Tokio. The empanelled private hospitals have also sought interim relief from the Hon’ble High Court and are fully ceased of the legal matter.
“The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has already engaged in extensive discussions with these private healthcare providers and has assured them of a timely resolution of the payment-related issues. SHA has assured all the private empanelled hospitals that their money is safe and secured and the Government ensures that all pending payments are cleared as swiftly as possible. SHA expressed heartfelt gratitude to the private empanelled hospitals and dialysis centres for their unwavering support and commitment to implementing the scheme, despite not receiving payments since March 15, 2024.
SHA appeal to all the empanelled private hospitals to continue treating patients under the scheme and discharge their responsibility as a responsible partner under the scheme,” read the communique.
J&K SHA deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to the empanelled hospitals and dialysis centres and appreciates the patience and understanding of our healthcare partners during this challenging period. Rest assured, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment towards supporting the empanelled hospitals and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services to beneficiaries across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
SHA has urged upon all the empanelled hospitals and dialysis centers to continue their invaluable services to the public emphasizing the critical importance of patient care and public well-being, as it is working diligently to resolve the issues. The health and well-being of citizens of J&K remain the top priority, and SHA is committed to upholding the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana/SEHAT.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir will take all necessary steps and ensure that all patients get desired treatments free of cost under the scheme and the scheme shall continue without interruption. The patients are advised to call the toll-free number 14555 or call centre 104 for any assistance related to their treatment under the scheme.
