‘Practice being followed in various states, UTs’
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 9: The decision to reserve four commonly sought surgical procedures under the AB-PMJAY-SEHAT Scheme exclusively for public hospitals in J&K has been taken to “enhance transparency” and “uphold ethical medical practices”, the Government informed the Legislative Assembly today.
In a written reply to queries raised by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq regarding the scheme and the exclusion of these procedures for private hospitals, the Minister In-charge, Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department, stated that the step is in accordance with best practices followed by various states to prevent exploitation.
Tanvir had asked the Government whether it intends to exclude four key surgical procedures: cholecystectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, appendectomy, and fissure in ano from private hospitals.
The Government replied in the affirmative, stating that it has been decided to reserve four key surgical procedures exclusively for public hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat/PMJAY scheme. It also stressed that public hospitals are capable of handling the additional responsibility.
The MLA also asked if the decision could lead to longer waits for patients at public hospitals and impact timely medical care.
On this, while the Government did not directly respond to the concern of potential longer waits in public hospitals-where patient influx is expected to increase-it stated that the decision follows the advisory issued by the National Health Authority (NHA) (Anti-Fraud Advisory No. 17, dated 29 June 2020), highlighting instances of “fraudulent and unnecessary” medical interventions in private hospitals.
“By restricting these procedures to public institutions, the Government aims to enhance transparency, uphold ethical medical practices, and ensure high-quality healthcare for all beneficiaries,” the Government stated.
Moreover, it added that the step aligns with best practices followed in various States and Union Territories to safeguard patients from potential exploitation.
The Government, in its reply, stated that public hospitals in J&K have been consistently providing a substantial proportion of healthcare services, having successfully handled 55% of total treatments under the PM-JAY scheme, demonstrating their capability to manage surgical interventions efficiently.
“This experience makes them well-positioned to take on the additional responsibility of handling these key surgeries, ensuring that patients can still access quality care without the risk of exploitation or unnecessary procedures,” the Government stressed.
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