Srinagar, August 3 (KNS): Several patients in Kashmir have raised serious concerns about the practices followed by some private hospitals in the valley, alleging non-transparent billing and discriminatory treatment between insured and non-insured patients, particularly in cases involving surgeries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme.

Patients claim that while an initial cost estimate is given before undergoing a surgical procedure, the final billed amount often increases without prior notice. Some patients opting to avail cashless treatment under PM Ayushman say they were advised against it by hospital staff, being told that "standard" medicines and materials would only be used in cash-paying procedures.

“I had to undergo a urology-related procedure at a reputed private hospital in Srinagar,” said Aijaz Ahmad (name changed), a 55-year-old resident of Srinagar. “Initially, I opted for Ayushman Bharat, but I was clearly told by the staff that the quality of medicine and consumables would not be the same. I was advised to pay out of pocket if I wanted ‘better quality care’.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelI had no choice but to arrange money at short notice.”

Ahmad said he was not given any written explanation about the difference in treatment, nor any price breakdown post-surgery that matched the initial estimate.

Other patients have echoed similar concerns, saying that once a procedure is completed, additional charges such as surgical items, post-operative care, or specific injections are often added without clear justification.

“If the government promises free treatment under Ayushman, why are hospitals discouraging us?” asked Ahmad. “We are being made to feel that opting for insurance means second-grade care, which is completely unfair.”

Ayushman Bharat has been a key government initiative to provide equitable access to secondary and tertiary healthcare, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir where private healthcare plays a growing role.

However, oversight and grievance redressal remain a challenge, especially when patients fear that lodging a complaint may affect their ongoing treatment or access to follow-ups.(KNS)