Pending Ayushman claims to be cleared by Dec 31: Minister

Our Correspondent

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma has assured that all pending claims under the Ayushman Bharat scheme would be cleared by December 31.

Sharma was attending an event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) themed “Health Reimagined: Strategies for a Better Tomorrow”. The event brought together government officials, healthcare experts and industry leaders to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities shaping healthcare in J&K.

Sharma emphasized the need to address mental health issues, promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in healthcare and enhance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach through initiatives like mobile clinics.

He remarked, “Efforts to improve the healthcare sector must focus on equitable access, innovative partnerships and targeted outreach in under-served areas.”

The Minister highlighted three key focus areas for the UT’s healthcare policy—enhancing PPP models for healthcare delivery, addressing healthcare access in rural and remote regions, and mitigating human resource shortages and improving funding for government schemes. He assured the gathering that all pending claims under the Ayushman Bharat scheme would be cleared by December 31.

The Minister exhorted that improving healthcare accessibility, addressing policy gaps and fostering robust public-private collaborations are main focus areas of the government. He also underscored the need for equitable healthcare infrastructure, enhanced insurance coverage and focused interventions in rural and underserved areas.

Speaking at the event, Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar said, “We must prioritise healthcare in J&K by addressing gaps in the public health sector and tackling the issue of spurious drugs.” Uri MLA Dr Sajad Shafi said, “Affordable healthcare and private sector involvement in remote areas are essential for comprehensive healthcare access.”

Pulwama MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para said, “Key healthcare challenges faced by providers in J&K will be addressed in the upcoming Assembly session.”

Sanjiv M Gadkar, CEO, State Health Agency, J&K, AB-PMJAY, said, “Revised package pricing under Ayushman Bharat and extended budgetary allocations will significantly improve healthcare coverage.”