Srinagar, Jan 14: The State Health Agency (SHA) under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has suspended the empanelment of Florence Hospital, Srinagar, for six months and imposed a penalty of ₹2.97 lakh. The decision follows complaints of malpractice and non-compliance with National Health Authority (NHA) guidelines.
According to an official order, a copy of which lies with Asian News Hub, State Health Agency (SHA), J&K, received a number of grievances/complaints against Empaneled Health Care Provider Florence Hospital, Srinagar, for violating the guidelines issued by the National Health Authority, New Delhi.
On the basis of numerous grievances/complaints registered against the hospital, a team of officers/officials conducted a surprise visit to the hospital on 23/11/2024. During the interaction with the beneficiaries/patients, it was observed that the hospital flagrantly violated the guidelines of the scheme, including coercing the patients to incur out-of-pocket expenditure and denial of treatment.
Power Shutdown in North & Central Kashmir Parts
A show-cause notice was served upon the hospital on 18/12/2024 to explain their stand with regard to cases highlighted during the surprise visit.
The hospital did not reply to the said show-cause notice within the mandated five working days. The reply of the hospital was received on 25/12/2024, and despite a lapse of five working days, the reply was duly considered on merit, and the justification provided by the hospital was found to be non-satisfactory.
The case of the hospital, along with all the relevant documents, was placed before the State Empanelment Committee during its meeting on 26/12/2024 for deliberation/decision.
It was decided by the State Empanelment Committee that the hospital be immediately suspended for a period of 6 months and impose a penalty of Rs 2,97,000/- on the hospital as per Hospital Empanelment Guidelines. However, in the interest of dialysis patients, the hospital may continue providing dialysis treatment to the existing patients under AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT.”
Florence Hospital, Srinagar, is hereby suspended for a period of 6 months from the date of issuance of this order. However, in the interest of dialysis patients, the hospital shall continue to provide treatment to the existing dialysis patients under AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT, it reads.
Also, a penalty to the tune of Rs 2,97,000/- (Two Lakh Ninety-Seven Thousand) is imposed on the hospital for the illegal payments collected from the aggrieved beneficiaries. The said penalty amount shall be deposited by the hospital within 5 working days. In case the hospital fails to deposit the penalty/fine amount within the stipulated time, the same shall be adjusted with the pending payment to the EHCP without any further notice.
