Jammu & Kashmir: In a significant development affecting healthcare delivery in the Union Territory, empanelled private hospitals and dialysis centres across Jammu & Kashmir have announced the withdrawal of services under the Ayushman Bharat–SEHAT scheme from April 15, 2026, citing severe financial distress due to prolonged non-payment of dues.

According to representatives of the empanelled institutions, payments pending from the State Health Agency (SHA) date back to July 2025, with some claims reportedly outstanding since 2021. Despite continuing to provide critical treatments—including surgeries, cardiac procedures, stent placements, and life-saving dialysis—hospitals state that the lack of reimbursements has pushed them to a “breaking point.”

Hospital authorities have indicated that suppliers of essential medical equipment and consumables have issued a final deadline of April 15, after which they will cease supplies if outstanding payments are not cleared. This, they say, leaves them with no option but to suspend services under the government health insurance scheme.

The decision is expected to impact thousands of beneficiaries relying on Ayushman Bharat–SEHAT coverage, particularly economically weaker sections who depend on private healthcare facilities for timely treatment.

Despite repeated representations to concerned authorities, hospital associations claim that no concrete resolution has been reached so far. They have expressed regret over the inconvenience to patients but maintain that continuing services without financial viability is no longer possible.

Unless immediate steps are taken to release pending payments and restore supply chains, beneficiaries may not be able to avail treatment under the scheme in private institutions across the Union Territory from the stated date.