Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 15: The J&K Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association today expressed its concern over a recent tender notice issued by the State Health Agency (SHA) J&K, which “reserves” four commonly sought procedures exclusively for public hospitals.
Addressing a press conference here, members of the association stated that the AB-PMJAY-Sehat Scheme has been successful in J&K due to the participation of private hospitals and dialysis centers.
“Subsidized treatment was already available in public hospitals before the scheme was implemented,” they said.
The surgical procedures now reserved for public hospitals include cholecystectomy, fissure-in-ano, appendectomy, and haemorrhoidectomy. Additionally, the 10% UT-specific uniform rate enhancement on packages for private hospitals has been removed, the association said.
The association further asserted that the right to health is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and patients cannot be restricted to seeking treatment only in public hospitals under this scheme.
“The private hospitals and dialysis centers directly employ 10,000 people across J&K. If the Government proceeds with this decision, many hospitals may be forced to shut down, leading to widespread job losses and adding to the unemployment crisis,” they warned.
The association also criticized the State Health Agency (SHA) for reducing package rates by 10%, despite the National Health Agency (NHA) increasing them.
“The Central Government has also increased the health budget by 24%, yet the UT Government has failed to follow suit,” the association said.
They appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in this publicly significant matter to ensure that people continue receiving free healthcare in private hospitals and that these institutions do not suffer.
The association also raised concerns over pending payments, urging the Government to release the dues so that private hospitals can function more efficiently.
“If the Government continues on this path, we will be left with no option. It will no longer be viable for us to remain in the scheme, and we will be forced to withdraw,” they stated.
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