After Shifa Hospital, Empanelment of Another Premier Health Facility in Sgr Suspended

Srinagar: Hours after suspending empanelment of Shifa Hospital here, the State Health Agency (SHA) under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has taken a similar action against Florence Hospital in the summer capital. Although the Shifa Hospital was fined an amount in tune of over twenty-six lac, the Florence hospital has been imposed a penalty of ₹2.97 lakh. The action follows allegations of malpractice and non-compliance with National Health Authority (NHA) guidelines by the two premier private-owned hospitals.

Regarding the Florence Hospital, the officials during a surprise inspection on November 23, 2024, discovered that the hospital had coerced patients into paying out-of-pocket expenses and denied treatment under the scheme. Despite being issued a show-cause notice on December 18, 2024, the hospital’s response failed to address the concerns adequately.

Although empanelment has been suspended, the hospital is permitted to continue providing dialysis services to existing patients under AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT. The SHA has directed Florence Hospital to deposit the penalty within five working days, warning of stricter action in case of non-compliance.

Reaffirming its commitment to beneficiary rights, the SHA emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in all empaneled healthcare facilities. (With inputs from news agency KDC)