Srinagar: The recent suspension of Ayushman Bharat services by private hospitals in Jammu & Kashmir, effective September 01, has led to widespread calls for government intervention from hundreds of affected patients.
The suspension has sparked serious concerns among patients who depend on these services for essential treatments. A protest was on Thursday held at Pratap Park, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, where patients and their family members from across J&K were seen shouting slogans and raising placards. Patients told reporters in Srinagar that they have urged the government to act swiftly to restore these crucial healthcare services. The halt in services stems from a financial dispute involving private hospitals, which have not received approximately Rs 200 crore in funds since March. A protester said “If the government doesn’t resume the Golden Card, how will we afford the treatment? We don’t have the money for private hospitals.” A Pulwama resident said, “We want the government to restart the scheme; otherwise, we will lose our family members. It is not a matter of money, but life and death.”
As already reported in November of last year, IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company, which provided insurance for Ayushman Bharat in J&K, notified the State Health Agency (SHA) of its decision not to renew the contract after its expiration on March 14, 2025. Previously managed by Bajaj Allianz GIC, IFFCO-TOKIO was introduced as the new insurer but has since sought to withdraw, citing financial losses. Despite the SHA’s requests for IFFCO-TOKIO to continue, the company refused. Additionally, the High Court recently directed IFFCO-TOKIO to continue the existing arrangement under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-SEHAT (AB-PMJAY-SEHAT) until the dispute is resolved by an arbitrator. However, the company has yet to comply, prompting authorities to file a contempt petition
