Promises must be fulfilled

The decision by the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) to defer its proposed strike has spared thousands of patients from immediate hardship. Had the strike gone ahead, beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY/SEHAT Scheme would have faced disruption in essential services such as dialysis, chemotherapy, surgeries and emergency care. While the government’s assurance to release pending dues has temporarily eased tensions, it has also exposed a recurring weakness in the implementation of public healthcare programmes. Private hospitals have become indispensable partners in delivering affordable healthcare under the SEHAT Scheme. Their participation has expanded access to quality treatment, particularly for economically weaker sections. However, expecting these institutions to continue providing services while reimbursements remain pending for nearly six months is neither practical nor sustainable. Financial uncertainty affects staffing, procurement of medicines, maintenance of equipment and overall service delivery. The willingness of the Association to postpone its protest demonstrates that patient welfare remains its foremost concern. Equally, the administration deserves credit for opening channels of dialogue before the situation escalated. Yet, dialogue alone cannot resolve structural issues. The real measure of success will be whether the promised payments reach hospitals within the committed time frame. This episode offers an opportunity for reform. The SEHAT Scheme requires a transparent and time-bound payment mechanism supported by digital tracking, regular audits and clearly defined accountability. Hospitals should not have to resort to strike calls merely to receive legitimate dues, nor should patients become unintended victims of administrative delays. Healthcare systems function effectively only when trust exists between the government and service providers. That trust is built through consistency, not assurances. The coming fortnight must therefore witness decisive action. Prompt settlement of pending claims will strengthen confidence in the SEHAT Scheme, safeguard uninterrupted patient care and reinforce the credibility of one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most important public health initiatives.