JAMMU, June 19: In a significant development for beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, private hospitals and dialysis centres have temporarily withdrawn their proposed decision to exit the scheme after the Government approved the release of ₹175 crore towards settlement of long-pending reimbursement claims.
Sources said that the Health and Medical Education Department has sanctioned ₹175 crore to clear outstanding payments owed to empanelled private healthcare institutions. The funds are expected to be routed through the State Health Agency (SHA), following which the reimbursement process will commence. Officials said the transfer and distribution of funds may take a few days to be completed.
The move comes against the backdrop of growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the SEHAT scheme after the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) had announced plans to withdraw from the programme from July 1, citing severe financial stress caused by delayed claim settlements.
During discussions with senior officials of the State Health Agency, representatives of private healthcare institutions were assured that the sanctioned amount would be released without delay. Following the assurance, the association agreed to defer its proposed de-empanelment and continue providing healthcare services under the scheme for the time being.
Despite the breakthrough, hospital authorities reiterated that prompt clearance of dues remains essential for sustaining quality healthcare delivery. They emphasized that pending payments, particularly those accumulated over the past three months, should be released at the earliest to ensure smooth functioning of hospitals and dialysis centres across the Union Territory.
Private healthcare providers had earlier expressed concern that prolonged reimbursement delays were adversely impacting operations and affecting critical services, including dialysis, oncology care, intensive care treatment, cardiac procedures and emergency medical services. According to the association, outstanding liabilities had exceeded ₹250 crore, prompting the warning of withdrawal from the scheme.
The Government’s decision to release funds is being seen as a major step towards safeguarding the continuity of healthcare services under the SEHAT initiative, which offers cashless medical treatment to millions of residents across Jammu and Kashmir.
Healthcare stakeholders have welcomed the development and expressed optimism that the financial support will strengthen confidence among empanelled hospitals, ensure uninterrupted patient care and pave the way for a long-term resolution of reimbursement-related concerns.
Meanwhile, private hospitals are expected to closely watch the pace of fund disbursement before taking any final call regarding their future association with the scheme. (KNC)
