Srinagar, June 19: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a ₹175 crore package to revive the ‘Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Sehat’ scheme, following the withdrawal of private hospitals from the program. This decision comes as a reassurance to settle outstanding bills owed to various hospitals.
Jammu and Kashmir is the only Union Territory in India where every family can benefit from this scheme, regardless of income limits. Officials reported that private hospitals and dialysis centers in the region have temporarily retracted their decision to exit the scheme.
This reversal follows the government’s approval to release ₹175 crore for long-pending reimbursement claims. The Health and Medical Education Department has sanctioned this amount to settle dues owed to private healthcare institutions included in the panel.
The funds are expected to be disbursed through the State Health Agency (SHA), initiating the reimbursement process. Officials indicated that the transfer and distribution of these funds may take a few days.
This initiative comes amid growing uncertainty regarding the future of the ‘Sehat’ scheme. Previously, the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centers Association had announced plans to withdraw from the program effective July 1, citing severe financial distress due to delays in claim settlements.
During discussions with senior officials from the State Health Agency, representatives from private healthcare institutions were assured that the approved funds would be released without delay.
Following this assurance, the Association agreed to postpone its proposed de-paneling and continue providing healthcare services under the scheme for the time being.
Hospital administrators emphasized the urgent need for immediate payment of outstanding dues to maintain high-quality healthcare services. They stressed that timely payments, especially for dues from the past three months, are crucial for the smooth operation of hospitals and dialysis centers in the Union Territory.
According to the Association, the outstanding amount had exceeded ₹250 crore, prompting the warning of withdrawal from the scheme.
The government’s decision to release funds is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the continuity of healthcare services under the ‘Sehat’ initiative. This program provides cashless medical treatment to millions of residents in Jammu and Kashmir. Healthcare stakeholders have welcomed this move, expressing hope that this financial assistance will restore confidence among panel hospitals, allowing uninterrupted patient care and addressing reimbursement concerns in the long term.
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