Ghakhaar Criticizes Government Over Ayushman Bharat Suspension, Calls Scheme ‘Eyewash’

Srinagar, September 06: The suspension of Ayushman Bharat health services by private hospitals across Jammu & Kashmir has sparked widespread outrage. Patients and their families, left in distress due to the unavailability of essential healthcare, have been demanding immediate government intervention.

In a powerful statement, Hakim Suhail Abbas,Social Activist and Chief Spokesman of Gamkhaar, condemned the government’s handling of the situation, calling it an “eyewash” and a betrayal of public trust.

Addressing the ongoing crisis, Abbas said, “It is deeply concerning that hundreds of patients, dependent on the Ayushman Bharat scheme for their treatments, are left helpless.

The government’s failure to release the Rs 200 crore owed to hospitals has made this vital healthcare scheme ineffective.

If the government cannot continue the scheme, why introduce it in the first place? Such actions reduce the program to nothing more than fake promises and empty gestures.

“The suspension, effective from September 01, comes amid a financial dispute between private hospitals and the government. Since March, hospitals have not received pending payments under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-SEHAT (AB-PMJAY-SEHAT). Adding to the issue, IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company, which provided insurance coverage under the scheme, has refused to continue its contract, citing financial losses.

Despite a High Court order directing the company to continue services until an arbitrator resolves the matter, there has been no compliance, further compounding the crisis. In response, authorities have filed a contempt petition against IFFCO-TOKIO.Hakim Suhail Abbas further emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “The lives of our people are at stake.

The government must act swiftly to resolve this crisis and restore the services before it is too late. This is not just a financial issue; it’s a matter of life and death for many families.”

The protestors, led by affected patients and their families, continue to urge the government to intervene and restore Ayushman Bharat services in private hospitals across Jammu & Kashmir.