Urge Admn for swift intervention
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 27: Patients from various parts of Kashmir staged a protest today, highlighting their helplessness following the decision by private dialysis centers and hospitals to discontinue services under the AB-PMJAY-SEHAT scheme across J&K.
Many of the protesting patients, mostly elderly, gathered at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, holding placards and urging the insurance company managing the AB-PMJAY-SEHAT scheme to release pending funds to private facilities so that services could resume.
“I need dialysis twice a week at a private center, and it was covered under the Golden Card, although we still had to pay substantial amounts for other medications. This decision by the private centers will severely impact us. They can’t continue without funding,” said Muhammad Rafiq (25), one of the patients.
This issue arose after the insurer decided to exit the scheme, leaving the matter pending between the State Health Agency (SHA) and IFFCO-Tokio in the High Court. This has led to non-payment to private hospitals and dialysis centers, which in turn has affected patients.
“The authorities must recognize our plight. We can’t afford to pay for dialysis. Government hospitals can’t accommodate us unless we’re admitted there, and we have nowhere else to go. These private hospitals are willing to provide services, but we have to pay for them. This scheme was a lifeline for the poor,” said Abdul Rahim, an elderly patient suffering from kidney disease.
Meanwhile, the owners of private dialysis centers and hospitals stated they would continue services until August 31, after which they would only be able to provide services on a cash basis.
“We’ve run out of funds. The least outstanding amount is Rs 1 crore, which is substantial for smaller centers,” one of the owners said, expressing hope that the High Court’s judgment in the case would bring some relief.
Officials have been assuring private dialysis centers and hospitals that their money is safe and secure. However, with September 1 approaching, it appears patients are in for significant difficulties.
The protesting patients urged the LG-led administration to take note of the matter and come to their rescue. “They have the power to intervene, and we urge them to resolve this issue for the sake of patient care, especially for those suffering from kidney diseases.”
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