Respond to hepatitis breakout in Bandipora, resolve issues of health insurance scheme: PDP's Nayeem Akhtar

Srinagar, Nov 19: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader Nayeem Akhtar Tuesday expressed concern regarding the crisis-hit health insurance scheme in the UT of J-K.

Because of the health insurance crisis, the region's patients, especially with serious ailments, hung in the balance.

"Delays in clearing claims are severely impacting critical care, with private hospitals on the brink of closure of the SEHAT Scheme due to unpaid dues," Akhtar said.

Akhtar said that only 1,000 cases are being cleared daily, leaving Rs 420 crore worth of medical procedures unpaid.

Akhtar also pointed out that the High Court had explicitly directed the insurance company to refrain from rejecting claims on "flimsy" grounds, but such practices reportedly persist.

Adding to the crisis, he noted, is the premature termination of the IFFCO TOKIO contract, which has left the healthcare system in disarray.

The PDP leader also expressed concerns over the reported spike in Hepatitis cases in north Kashmir's Bandipora.

Akhtar also raised alarm over the reported spike in Hepatitis cases in Bandipora. Calling for a swift response, he urged authorities to immediately deploy a specialized team from SKIMS to the affected area.

"Facilities at the district hospital must be upgraded to enable early detection and timely intervention," Akhtar said, adding that daily monitoring of cases should be conducted under the supervision of the deputy commissioner.

"The health and well-being of the people should be the top priority," Akhtar said.