Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated that the government is examining issues related to the Ayushman Bharat–SEHAT scheme, particularly the delayed reimbursements faced by private hospitals. She assured that corrective measures will be taken soon to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for beneficiaries across the Union Territory.
The statement comes after the J&K Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association threatened to de-empanel from the scheme starting July 1, citing mounting unpaid dues and financial strain. The association warned that critical services such as dialysis, oncology, cardiac care, and trauma treatment could be disrupted if payments are not cleared.
Sakina Itoo emphasized that the State Health Agency is actively working to resolve the matter and urged private hospitals to continue providing services to patients. She highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access and mentioned new initiatives like medical camps and blood centres to expand facilities.
Experts have pointed out that rising medical supply costs and unutilised funds in public hospitals have worsened the situation, stressing the need for segregated payment mechanisms to ensure transparency and timely reimbursements. The government’s intervention is seen as crucial to prevent disruption of healthcare services for thousands of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries in J&K.
The issue has sparked wider debate on healthcare policy in the region, with calls for stronger monitoring and accountability to safeguard patient interests and maintain trust in the flagship health insurance scheme.
