135 Empanelled Hospitals Cite Year-Long Payment Delays, Supply Crisis Looms
Healthcare services under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Jammu and Kashmir may face a major disruption as empanelled private hospitals have warned of suspending treatments from April 15 due to pending payments amounting to ₹295 crore.
The warning has been issued by the Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association, which represents 135 empanelled health centres across the Union Territory.
Hospitals Continue Services Despite Over a Year of Unpaid Dues
According to the association, the dues have remained unpaid for more than a year. Despite the financial strain, hospitals have continued to provide critical treatments under the scheme, including surgeries, cardiac care, and dialysis services.
However, the association stated that the continued delay in payments by the government has left them with no option but to consider suspending services.
Suppliers Set April 15 Deadline, Medical Supply Chain at Risk
Hospitals revealed that suppliers of essential medical equipment, implants, and consumables have now issued a deadline of April 15. If pending payments are not cleared, supply chains may be halted, severely impacting patient care.
A hospital representative highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that vendors have already begun withholding supplies due to unpaid bills, making it increasingly difficult to continue operations.
Rising Costs Amid Global Tensions Add to Financial Burden
Hospital authorities also pointed to a sharp increase in the cost of medical supplies, reportedly rising by 18–22%, attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, United States, and Israel.
They said the combined effect of delayed payments and rising costs has significantly worsened their financial condition, making procurement of essential materials even more challenging.
Formal Notice Issued to State Health Agency
In a formal communication addressed to Anant Dwivedi, CEO of the State Health Agency, the association stated that they would be forced to discontinue services under the scheme if dues are not cleared.
“Due to the depletion of medical supplies, we will be unable to continue providing treatment under this scheme after April 15,” the letter stated.
Over 1 Crore Beneficiaries at Risk
The potential suspension could impact millions of beneficiaries. As per the State Health Agency, there are around 8.5 million registered Ayushman cardholders in the region, with total beneficiaries exceeding 1 crore.
Out of approximately 1.3 million claims submitted under the scheme, around 82% have reportedly been settled so far.
Conditional Continuation of Services Proposed
The association has indicated that services could continue if the government provides necessary medical supplies and implants to hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
This is not the first time private healthcare providers in the region have raised concerns. Earlier, hospitals had also threatened to withdraw from the scheme over policy decisions, citing long-term sustainability issues.
Growing Concern Over Healthcare Access
The situation raises serious concerns about continuity of care under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which plays a crucial role in providing affordable healthcare to economically vulnerable populations.
With the April 15 deadline approaching, all eyes are now on the administration’s response to prevent disruption in critical health services.
