Private Hospital owners seek CM’s intervention over pending SEHAT scheme payments

Srinagar, Mar 13: Private hospital owners in Jammu and Kashmir have urgently appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the release of pending bills under the SEHAT Scheme, with outstanding payments reportedly reaching Rs 350 crore.

“The situation has become critical for many healthcare facilities across the region,” said a senior representative of the private hospitals association. “We are facing an unprecedented financial crisis that threatens the very sustainability of our operations.”

According to hospital administrators, the financial strain has created multiple challenges, particularly in maintaining staff salaries and essential services. “Many of us are struggling to pay our employees who have families depending on their income. This is not just a business issue, but a humanitarian concern,” explained another hospital owner.

The hospital owners have highlighted several specific grievances: Rs 350 crore in total pending payments under the SEHAT scheme, Rs 22 crore in outstanding dues with Insurance company dating back to 2022 and rejected claims and deductions by the State Health Agency (SHA) that have not been refunded to beneficiaries

“The SHA had promised that 40-50 percent of previous payments would be cleared by December 2024 as stated by the Chief Secretary, but we are still waiting,” said a prominent healthcare provider. Meanwhile, we continue to provide services to patients despite these financial constraints.”

The association has also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the payment system.

“We are not asking for special treatment, just for what is rightfully due to us under the scheme,” emphasised another hospital owner. “The Chief Minister and Health Minister must step in before this situation forces some facilities to scale back essential services.”

Private Healthcare providers warn that without immediate intervention, the financial strain could impact the quality and availability of healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, potentially affecting thousands of patients who rely on the SEHAT scheme for their medical needs.