MSME healthcare suppliers pause delivery of high-value cardiac devices, consumables to SSH, Jammu

Jammu, Dec 8: In a unified call for urgent action, all MSME healthcare suppliers serving the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH), Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, Monday highlighted the pressing need for the timely release of pending payments totalling approximately Rs 30 Cr under the flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

“Because of these unpaid dues from Amrit Pharmacy and the State Health Agency, distributors are no longer receiving fresh supplies from their parent companies. Due to non-availability of stocks, they’ve had no choice but to pause deliveries to the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) starting this Monday, something we’re all hoping to resolve quickly to keep care flowing for patients who need it most,” said a spokesperson.

These payments, according to spokesperson, critical for procuring high-value cardiac devices and consumables essential to the hospital’s Cath Lab, were “delayed despite recent allocations to the State Health Agency (SHA), Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring a vital gap in the flow of funds that could otherwise ensure uninterrupted patient care.”

“All key suppliers have been steadfast in their commitment to providing life-critical items. These supplies form the lifeline for emergency interventions in Jammu and Kashmir’s premier cardiac facility, supporting thousands of vulnerable patients annually under the PM-JAY scheme. However, prolonged delays in payment processing through Amrit Pharmacy—a unit of Hindustan Lifecare Limited (HLL), the government-owned public sector undertaking, have strained vendors’ capacities, making it increasingly challenging to maintain stock levels without compromising quality or timeliness,” spokesperson said.

The suppliers emphasise that this is not an isolated grievance but a systemic call to action to protect the integrity of Ayushman Bharat, a transformative program that has revolutionised medical access for millions.

“Any shortfall in supplies could jeopardise emergency cardiac procedures, putting lives at risk and eroding public trust in the initiative. The group has already submitted joint representations to the concerned authorities requesting strict directives for the clearance of these funds. They have been following up for these payments for over one year now,” the spokesperson said.

“As partners in public health, the suppliers remain optimistic about a swift resolution. Our shared goal is seamless care for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to bridge this gap and continue fuelling the hospital’s mission,” added spokesperson.