SRINAGAR — Amid growing concerns over the future of Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT services in Jammu and Kashmir, Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the government is actively examining issues raised by private hospitals and will work to resolve the matter at the earliest to ensure that beneficiaries do not suffer.
The minister’s remarks come at a crucial time, with private hospitals and dialysis centres across Jammu and Kashmir warning that they may withdraw from the Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Scheme from July 1 over delays in reimbursement of claims and pending payments. Reports indicate that several empanelled hospitals have complained of severe financial stress due to the non-release of dues.
Speaking after inaugurating the SKIMS Medical Camp and Blood Centre at Alamgari Bazar, Zadibal, along with MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Itoo acknowledged that private hospitals had raised concerns regarding payments under the scheme.
She said the government was examining the issue and expressed confidence that the concerns would be addressed soon.
Describing Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT as a vital healthcare initiative, the minister said the scheme has provided critical support to economically weaker sections by enabling access to surgeries, specialised treatment and hospitalisation without imposing a financial burden on families.
Sakina Itoo said that the government was aware of the issue and was working toward a resolution, reiterating that the scheme remains important for poor and vulnerable patients across Jammu and Kashmir.