Pvt hospitals hold back SEHAT scheme exit as Govt sanctions Rs 175 cr

*SHA assures early disbursement of funds

JAMMU, June 18: Private hospitals and dialysis centres empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme have indicated that they will continue providing services beyond June 30 following assurances from the Government regarding the release of pending dues.

Reliable sources told Excelsior that Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo has sanctioned Rs 175 crore for disbursement among hospitals empanelled under the flagship health insurance scheme. However, the funds are yet to be credited to the account of the State Health Agency (SHA), after which the payment process to private hospitals will commence. Sources said the disbursement of funds is expected to take about a week.

The development comes days after the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) had threatened to withdraw from the scheme from July 1 over pending reimbursements and delays in claim settlements.

According to sources, senior officials of the State Health Agency, including its Chief Executive Officer, held discussions with representatives of private hospitals today and assured them that the sanctioned amount would be released at the earliest.

Following the meeting, the Association softened its stand and indicated that it would continue under the scheme provided pending dues are cleared on priority.

“We will not exit the SEHAT Scheme from July 1 and will continue to provide services if at least our three-month payment backlog is cleared so that hospitals can manage their operations smoothly,” a representative of the Association said.

Private hospitals have maintained that they are around three months behind public hospitals in receiving payments under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, resulting in financial strain on healthcare institutions.

The Association expressed hope that the release of the sanctioned funds would ease the crisis and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services to beneficiaries across J&K.

Sources said the hospitals are now awaiting the transfer of funds to the SHA account and subsequent disbursement of pending claims before taking a final call on any future course of action.