Private healthcare players plead for support, ease of business

Srinagar, Nov 30: Private healthcare providers in J&K have called on the government to extend greater support to the sector, emphasizing their indispensable role in bridging critical gaps in J&K’s healthcare system.

Speaking at the CII's J&K Health Conclave 2024, held in Srinagar, stakeholders highlighted their struggles with operational hurdles, delayed payments under government insurance schemes, and regulatory challenges, all of which are threatening their sustainability.

Representatives from the private sector lamented the lack of essential support, such as uninterrupted power supply, which hampers their ability to deliver quality healthcare. They stressed that despite these limitations, they continue to serve the people and offer healthcare delivery, often at affordable rates. A significant portion of their services is rendered under the Ayushman Bharat SEHAT Scheme. However, stakeholders revealed that payments under the scheme are frequently delayed, with some claims pending for as long as eight months. “There is an urgent need to work on the shortcomings of SEHAT Scheme and it must be done on priority,” they said.

The sector, which employs thousands of youth across 251 private hospitals and diagnostic centers, voiced concerns over stringent and opaque regulatory processes. “The registration of private health facilities is another sordid story,” a representative said, adding that new entrants in the sector, particularly unemployed youth, “face raids rather than constructive inspections”.

The stakeholders appealed that the private healthcare sector be recognized as an industry in J&K, the one that employs one of the highest numbers of youth. "The apathy towards the private health sector is choking businesses here," said a speaker. They argued that a robust private sector is essential for creating employment and ensuring healthcare accessibility in remote areas.

At the conclave, government officials and policymakers acknowledged these challenges and assured action.

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science &Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings Departments, Satish Sharma, who  the Chief Guest, underscored the importance of mental health initiatives and public-private partnerships (PPP) to bolster healthcare outreach. “Efforts to improve the healthcare sector must focus on equitable access , innovative partnerships, and targeted outreach in underserved areas,” he said.

MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar talked about the issue of substandard and spurious drugs. “We must address the gaps in public healthcare delivery on priority,” he said while assuring J&K Government would continue to improve the health sector in Kashmir. MLA Uri, Dr. Sajad Shafi said Affordable healthcare and private sector inclusion, especially in remote areas are essential for comprehensive healthcare access. MLA Pulwama Waheed ur Rehman Para Key healthcare challenges faced by the private sector will be highlighted in the upcoming assembly session.

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary to the Health & Medical Education Department, highlighted three focus areas for the state’s healthcare policy: enhancing PPP models, addressing rural and remote areas’ healthcare gaps, and improving funding for government schemes. He assured the audience, while addressing it virtually, that the pending Ayushman Bharat claims would be cleared by December 31, this year.

“We need a healthcare policy that suits the unique needs of Kashmir,” said Iqram Ali Shafiee, Convener of the CII J&K Healthcare Panel Dr. Shanty Sajan, Group COO, Paras Healthcare, said, “Leveraging AI and technology is critical for making healthcare accessible to the masses.” Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder & Director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services said “Through our CSR initiatives, we aim to bring healthcare benefits to underserved areas in J&K.”

Event featured two panel discussions on Healthcare policy and Insurance.

Other eminent speakers included- Probal Ghosal, Chairman & Director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services,  Aijaz Khan, Executive Vice President, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd, Nigam Gupta, Managing Director, Hexa Med Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd, Faizan Mir, President, J&K Private Hospitals & Dialysis Centers Association & Managing Director, Shadab Hospital, Mr. Iqram Ali Shafiee, Convener, CII J&K Healthcare Panel & Managing Director, Shafiee Healthcare Pvt. Ltd and Mr. Sandeep Mengi, Co-Convener, CII J&K Healthcare Panel & Director, Maharishi Dayanand Hosp & Med Research Centre.