No HIMCARE, AYUSHMAN etc. from Feb. 1…District Kangra Private Doctors Association Takes Stand on Healthcare Facilities

District Kangra Private Doctors Association Takes Stand on Healthcare Facilities

In a significant meeting held recently, the District Kangra Private Doctors Association convened, with prominent physicians from various hospitals participating, including:

*Dr. Naresh Vermani from Vermani Hospital
*Dr. Pathania from Apex Dharamsala
*Dr. Prem Bhardwaj from Bhardwaj’s Bhardwaj Hospital
*Dr. Karan from Karan Hospital
*Dr. Duvey from VMRT
*Dr. Pahwa from Pahwa Hospital Kangra
*Dr. Garg from Citycare Multi Hospital
*Dr. Dattal from Dattal Hospital
*Dr. KD Gautam from KD Hospital
*Neeraj from City Care Hospital

The association collectively resolved to discontinue the Himcare facility from February 1st in all private hospitals across District Kangra, except for the poor and needy. However, Ayushman Bharat card facilities will remain operational until March 31st, providing the government with a window to transfer all outstanding funds. The decision stems from the accumulation of crores in overdue payments, with the government failing to honor the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stipulating payment within 45 days.

These delays have caused a severe crisis, particularly for single-specialty hospitals, as timely funds are crucial for their sustainability. Consequently, hospitals are struggling to meet payment deadlines to pharmaceutical vendors.

Expressing concern over the financial strain on the government, the Private Hospital Association proposes limiting Himcare facility access to genuine and economically disadvantaged individuals. This move aims to alleviate the government’s burden while encouraging more eligible citizens to opt for private health insurance, in line with recent recommendations from insurance regulators, facilitating future access to cashless healthcare services.