Private hospitals pin hopes on CM as Ayushman Bharat payment crisis persists

Srinagar, Oct 17: Private hospitals and dialysis centres empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face financial hardships, despite a High Court order directing the Union Territory administration to reimburse pending medical claims.

According to a statement by hospital owners, on September 11, the J&K High Court ordered the UT administration to utilize available funds for reimbursing medical claims submitted after March 14, 2024. Following assurances from the State Health Agency (SHA), private healthcare providers resumed services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme on September 14, after a 12-day suspension that began on September 2 due to non-payment of dues.

"However, more than a month after the court's directive, healthcare providers report that payments have been minimal or non-existent."

An association representing private hospitals and dialysis centers claims there is a significant disparity between the pending amount with SHA and the pace of disbursement. At the current rate, they fear it could take months or even a year for full payment to be released.

The financial strain has led to several consequences. Many hospitals have been unable to pay staff salaries, while some facilities have reduced their workforce, contributing to unemployment. Healthcare providers are struggling with debt and high interest payments on bank loans, they said.

The association warns that if payments are not expedited, many hospitals may be forced to shut down operations. They have appealed to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah to intervene in this "matter of grave concern" and facilitate a swift resolution.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship program aimed at providing healthcare coverage to economically vulnerable Indians. The delay in payments not only affects the financial health of private healthcare providers but also threatens the accessibility of medical services for beneficiaries of the scheme.