Srinagar, Feb 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centre Association has raised serious concerns about the sustainability of the Ayushman Bharat SEHAT Scheme, warning that they may halt free treatment services from March 15, 2025, if key issues are not addressed.
In a letter to the CEO of Ayushman Bharat and SEHAT Scheme, the association outlined several grievances, including delayed payments, unfavorable contract terms, and financial strain, making continued participation unfeasible.
Why Are Private Hospitals Withdrawing?
The association stated that after extensive discussions, they concluded that renewing their contract with the State Health Agency—which expires on March 15, 2025—would be unsustainable.
Key concerns raised include:
- Delayed payments & lack of interest on pending dues
- Unfair deductions & rejections of claims since 2022
- No revision in treatment package rates, despite the Union Government increasing the Ayushman Bharat budget by 24% to ₹9,406 crores
- Reservation of four medical procedures for public hospitals, reducing patient choice
- 10% cut in UT-specific incentives, affecting financial viability
Governing Council Decisions Spark Backlash
The 9th Governing Council Meeting on January 19, 2025, introduced several policy changes that private hospitals argue are harmful to the private healthcare sector. The association fears these changes could push many hospitals toward bankruptcy, as they have already been struggling financially for over 10 months.
Additionally, the association pointed out that no decision was made during the meeting regarding:
- Releasing long-overdue payments (including Bajaj payments)
- Paying 1% interest on delayed reimbursements
- Reviewing and compensating for past deductions & claim rejections
Demands from the Private Healthcare Sector
To continue offering free treatment under Ayushman Bharat SEHAT, private hospitals are demanding:
- Implementation of HBP 2022, as approved by the National Health Authority of India, with revised rates for dialysis patients
- No restrictions on patient choice, ensuring access to both private and public hospitals under Right to Health (Article 21 of the Constitution)
- Timely payments & interest on delays, as per National Health Authority guidelines
- Reinstatement of UT-specific incentives
- Immediate release of all pending dues, including Bajaj payments
The association is urging urgent intervention from authorities to prevent the collapse of private healthcare participation in the SEHAT Scheme, warning that without reforms, free treatment services may no longer be available in private hospitals after March 15, 2025.
