Jammu, 12 June (H.S.): Citing prolonged delays in reimbursement of claims by the authorities, private hospitals and dialysis centres across Jammu and Kashmir have threatened that they will not accept the Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Golden Cards from July 1.

The announcement was made by the J&K Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA), which claimed the continued non-payment of approved claims has placed severe financial pressure on healthcare institutions and affected their ability to provide quality medical services.

A spokesperson of the association said that despite repeated representations to the concerned authorities, payments to empanelled private hospitals and dialysis centres have remained pending for long periods.

He said hospitals are finding it increasingly difficult to manage expenses related to medicines, medical consumables, equipment maintenance and salaries of healthcare staff.

The JKPHDA spokesperson added that delays in reimbursement, along with claim deductions and rejections, have further worsened the situation.

He said the issue has become more serious due to rising healthcare costs and disruptions in the supply of critical medical products.

He claimed that shortages and increased prices of medicines used in cancer treatment, along with the high cost of cardiac and orthopaedic implants, have put additional pressure on private healthcare institutions.

According to the association, the continued withholding of payments has affected the ability of hospitals to maintain adequate stocks of life-saving medicines and medical devices.

The association also alleged that over Rs 180 crore of Ayushman Bharat funds are lying unutilised with public hospitals while private healthcare institutions continue to await payment of approved claims.

It expressed concern over delays in procedures such as gall bladder surgeries and haemorrhoidectomies, stating that patients are facing longer waiting periods in some government hospitals.

JKPHDA further claimed that delayed claim settlements are inconsistent with National Health Authority guidelines and contractual provisions.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar