Srinagar, Jan 18 : Several patients on Wednesday complained that authorities at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura are not being entertained, resulting mental trauma to patients and their attendants.
They patients alleged that there is no mechanism and format available with SKIMS authorities to ease out the inconvenience faced by visitors.
Notably GoI in recent past empanelled all government and few private hospitals in J&K under Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme (Golden Card) under which patients are supposed to get free medical treatment. The scheme is however, as per patients not being entertained at many government and private hospitals in Valley, giving tough time to patients and their attendants.
“We are unnecessarily being forced to pay for different procedures and but money is withdrawn from insurance company as full package”, a patient on the conditions of anonymity alleged SKIMS authorities.
He alleged that the poor friendly health scheme looks hijacked by some corrupt elements working with Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme in government hospitals. “People at helm seems unmoved by what is going on in the name of Golden Card. It seems nexus is being patronized by responsible officials for their own interests”, the patient alleged.
Another patient who has been discharged from SKIMS recently said though his financial constraints at home, his family moved him to SKIMS for treatment but unfortunately they got surprised when they were told to pay money for medical investigations and other procedures.
The patients and their attendants however appealed to higher authorities to intervene into the matter and ensure hassle-free health services to poor.
When contacted to Director SKIMS, Dr Parvaiz Koul, he told KNS the Golden Card scheme is like insurance which has its own format. “There are many procedures which can be covered under GC and many are excluded. Only covered procedures can be entertained”, Dr. Koul said. (KNS)
