Major Crackdown Under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY/SEHAT Scheme
Srinagar, July 28 — In a landmark decision aimed at ensuring integrity and accountability in the healthcare system, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has banned six doctors for engaging in private practice during official duty hours and making unethical referrals to private Empanelled Health Care Providers (EHCPs).
This move follows a detailed evaluation conducted by the State Health Agency (SHA) under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)/SEHAT scheme, revealing serious ethical violations by the accused doctors.
Key Highlights of the Government Order
Unethical Conduct Undermining PMJAY/SEHAT Scheme
The official order, issued by the Health & Medical Education Department, categorically mentions that the doctors’ conduct has “significantly outweighed their contribution to government service”, ultimately undermining the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat SEHAT scheme.
The major violations include:
- Private practice during government duty hours
- Unethical and deliberate referrals to private EHCPs
- Conflict of interest and misuse of public office
- Neglect of patients in government hospitals
Ayushman Bharat PMJAY/SEHAT: The Backbone of J&K’s Healthcare Reforms
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY/SEHAT Scheme is one of the flagship health insurance schemes in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to provide cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Objectives of PMJAY/SEHAT Scheme:
- Deliver universal healthcare to all residents
- Strengthen public health institutions
- Prevent exploitation of patients by unethical referrals
- Promote affordable, accessible, and accountable healthcare
The actions of the banned doctors directly violated these objectives, risking the integrity and sustainability of the scheme.
Names of the Doctors and Facilities Involved
Although the official list of names has not been publicly disclosed, sources close to the State Health Agency (SHA) suggest that the erring doctors belonged to district hospitals and sub-district health centers and had been under surveillance for several months.
Departments under Scrutiny:
- General Medicine
- Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Orthopedics
The probe also revealed that the doctors frequently diverted patients who were eligible under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to private hospitals, thereby denying them free treatment under government schemes.
Strict Measures Ordered by J&K Health Department
The government has now ordered the banning of these six doctors from any official role under the PMJAY/SEHAT Scheme, with immediate effect. They will also face:
- Departmental inquiries
- Cancellation of empanelment (if involved with private setups)
- Possible suspension or termination, depending on inquiry results
Government’s Official Statement
In a statement issued by the Health & Medical Education Department, the spokesperson emphasized:
“These actions are aimed at preserving the credibility and trust of the public in the government healthcare system. Any activity that violates ethical norms or misuses schemes like AB-PMJAY/SEHAT will be dealt with strictly.”
Rising Concerns Over Private Practice in Government Hospitals
Long-standing Issue Now in the Spotlight
The issue of private practice by government doctors during duty hours has been a long-standing concern in Jammu & Kashmir. Despite clear rules against it, some doctors have continued the practice, resulting in:
- Loss of patient trust in government healthcare
- Exploitation of poor patients
- Decline in service quality in public hospitals
This latest crackdown is being seen as a warning signal for others involved in such unethical practices.
Citizens Applaud Govt’s Bold Action
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with citizens, patients, and healthcare activists welcoming the bold move by the J&K government. Many believe that:
- Such strict actions will restore faith in government healthcare
- Ensure better patient care in public hospitals
- Serve as a deterrent to other unethical doctors
Future Plans: Enhancing Transparency and Vigilance
The government is now planning to:
- Install CCTV surveillance in sensitive departments
- Introduce digital attendance systems
- Strengthen the Grievance Redressal System for patients
- Create independent auditing bodies for EHCPs
These steps aim to reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery under the PMJAY/SEHAT scheme.
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Conclusion
The J&K Government’s decision to ban six doctors for violating PMJAY/SEHAT norms sets a strong precedent in healthcare governance. It is a much-needed step to curb corruption, restore public faith, and uphold the ethics of the medical profession. The State Health Agency and Health Department are now working towards creating a robust, transparent, and ethical healthcare system for every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.
