In a move that can adversely impact cardiac patients, a forum of interventional cardiologists in Gujarat has announced temporary suspension of cardiology services from April 1 to 7 under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojna (PMJAY) in private hospitals in the state demanding better reimbursement.
Media reports have quoted one Gujarat Interventional Cardiologists Forum mentioning that the current reimbursements are not in tune with the inflation. Reports have quoted the Forum saying that the rates of the services have increased in the last one decade but not the reimbursements.
The Forum claimed that representations were made to the district collectors and even the state health authorities and PMJAY authorities.
However, Dr. Bharat Gadhavi, president of Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association, told Vibes of India that the Forum has not taken the hospitals into confidence and the private hospitals would continue to provide cardiology services under the PMJAY. He held that the Association will speak to private hospitals in other cities of Gujarat. According to him, there could be around 200 private hospitals in the state providing cardiac services under the PMJAY.
While feigning ignorance about any such Forum, Dr. Gadhavi said that they should have given time before announcing such a decision. He observed that such a decision can be taken only after negotiation with the government has not worked out.
Agreeing that there is a need to revise the charges, he reiteriated the manner in which the decision has been taken is not proper.
The Forum has flagged several issues like the rate for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) that was Rs 45,000 is only Rs 50,900 under PMJAY, which is annual increase of only 1.22 percent. They also claimed that the rate for the package for coronary angiography package has remained unchanged since 2015.
They also claimed that though being a life saving treatment, an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is not included under PMJAY.
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