Private Hospitals Association condemns de-empanelment of Shifa Hospital

Srinagar, Mar 27: The J&K Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDCA) has strongly condemned the State Health Agency’s (SHA) decision to de-empanel Shifa Hospital, describing it as a targeted action against the hospital for raising legitimate concerns about the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

As per the statement, the association argues that the de-empanelment is particularly unjust, given that all hospitals in the region are currently on strike due to similar contractual issues. Specifically, hospitals are protesting a 10 percent reduction in package rates and restrictions limiting certain surgical procedures to public hospitals.

“This move appears to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate Shifa Hospital and suppress its voice,” said a JKPHDCA spokesperson. The organization warns that the de-empanelment will severely impact patients who depend on insurance coverage, potentially leaving them without access to critical healthcare services.

The JKPHDCA is calling on authorities to: reconsider the de-empanelment decision, engage in constructive dialogue with Shifa Hospital and other stakeholders and address the systemic issues affecting the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

“We stand in solidarity with Shifa Hospital and the entire healthcare community,” the association stated, emphasising the need for fair treatment, equitable contract resolution, and protection of patients’ rights.