J&K private hospitals defer Ayushman Bharat strike

Srinagar, Apr 14: In a significant relief for patients across Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association has announced the postponement of its proposed strike under the Ayushman Bharat–Sehat Scheme, saying it prioritises patient welfare despite mounting financial stress caused by long-pending dues.
The decision comes after widespread concern among patients, particularly those undergoing life-saving treatments such as dialysis, who had appealed through various media platforms for uninterrupted medical services.
“We have taken this decision after deep consideration and with utmost compassion,” Sandeep Mengi, President (Jammu region) of the association, said. “We understand the fear and anxiety our earlier announcement may have caused to patients and their families. Their health and well-being remain our first priority.”
Mengi acknowledged that some payments have been released in recent days following assurances from the National Health Authority (NHA). However, he cautioned that the released amount represents only a fraction of the total dues.
“We are grateful that a portion of the payments has started arriving, but there is every apprehension that only a small share of the actual amount due will be cleared, leaving hundreds of crores pending since 2021,” he said.
He further noted that the partial release of funds is insufficient to address the growing financial burden faced by private healthcare institutions. “Hospitals are struggling to meet liabilities, including staff salaries, supplier payments, and procurement of essential medical consumables. We earnestly request the authorities to release the complete outstanding dues in a time-bound manner to prevent such uncertainty from affecting patients again,” Mengi added.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr Masood-ul-Hassan, General Secretary of the association, reiterated that the primary objective of private hospitals is to serve the people without disruption.
“Our only aim is to provide dignified and uninterrupted healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We hope the government treats this as a humanitarian priority and ensures the long-term sustainability of the Ayushman Bharat–Sehat Scheme in the Union Territory,” he said.
Dr Hassan also confirmed that hospitals will continue to provide treatment under the Golden Card scheme for now. “We are relying on the goodwill and support of our staff and suppliers, who are standing with us in this difficult time,” he added.
The association, while expressing gratitude to the media and the public for their support, made a renewed appeal to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, Health Department, and the State Health Agency to expedite the release of all pending dues.
“Without timely payments, sustaining services will become increasingly difficult in the coming days,” the association warned, adding that continued delays could once again put patient care at risk.
The move to defer the strike has brought temporary relief to thousands of beneficiaries under the scheme, but stakeholders emphasise that a permanent solution hinges on prompt financial intervention by the authorities. (KNO)