Srinagar, May 13 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) has urged the administration to immediately shift the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat–Sehat Scheme in the Union Territory from the existing Trust Mode to an Insurance Mode, saying the current system has led to massive payment delays and pushed several private healthcare institutions into financial distress.
Addressing the growing concerns of private healthcare providers, the association said that hospitals and dialysis centres across Jammu and Kashmir are struggling due to non-clearance of dues amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees, with some payments allegedly pending since 2021.
President of JKPHDA, Mir Faizan told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the prolonged delay in reimbursements under the Trust Mode has severely affected the functioning of private hospitals, particularly dialysis centres that depend on regular funding to sustain life-saving services.
“Under the existing Trust Mode, payments to hospitals remain pending for months and even years. Private hospitals have dues running into hundreds of crores, and some claims are still unpaid since 2021. This situation has pushed many healthcare institutions, especially dialysis units, to the brink of closure,” he said.
He added that the Insurance Mode, which has already been adopted in several other states and Union Territories, provides a more efficient and accountable mechanism for timely reimbursements through professional insurance companies.
According to him, the Insurance Mode would not only ensure faster settlement of claims but also protect hospitals and patients from financial uncertainty. “It will help prevent disruptions in critical healthcare services such as dialysis, oncology treatment, cardiac care, and emergency services,” he said.
General Secretary of the association, Dr Masood ul Hassan, also expressed concern over the mounting liabilities faced by hospitals under the current arrangement.
He said that despite the expiry of the PS8 period last month, nearly 60 per cent of payments are still pending, causing immense operational pressure on healthcare facilities.
“Our only concern is uninterrupted patient care. A transparent and robust payment mechanism will restore the confidence of private hospitals and ensure that Golden Card beneficiaries continue to receive treatment without any fear of suspension of services,” Dr Hassan said.
The association warned that if the present situation continues, it could adversely affect patient care across the Union Territory, particularly for economically weaker patients dependent on the Ayushman Bharat–Sehat Scheme for free treatment.
“The present crisis has demonstrated that the Trust Mode is not sustainable. Delayed reimbursements are putting healthcare institutions under severe stress and ultimately placing patients at risk,” the association said.
JKPHDA appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene immediately and transition the Union Territory to the Insurance Mode at the earliest—(KNO)