Experts, health workers urge govt to ensure healthcare access for poor
Srinagar: Despite the significant role played by the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in strengthening healthcare delivery and enabling access to quality medical services for underprivileged sections of society, no central release has been made for the financial year 2025–26, raising serious concerns among health experts and beneficiaries.
This information was disclosed through a Right to Information (RTI) file obtained by RTI activist MM Shuja, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
According to the data, there was Rs 16.11 crore central release for J&K for the year 2021-22 for PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, followed by Rs 1 crore in 2022-23, Rs 44.01 crore for 2023-24 and Rs 60.44 crore for 2024-25.
However, as per data, there is zero central release for J&K under this mission for the year 2025-26.
According to officials, thousands of poor and rural patients across Jammu and Kashmir — and the country at large — have received free or subsidised treatment under the mission.
“This scheme has been a lifeline for thousands of poor patients who could not afford specialised treatments. It must continue to get priority at all levels of government so that the momentum in healthcare development is not lost,” said a senior health official, wishing not to be named.
Dr Shabir Ahmad, a public health expert, said health is not an expenditure but an investment in human capital. Stopping or delaying funds for a scheme like Ayushman Bharat will directly impact the poor, he said.
Officials in the health department expressed hope that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare would soon address the funding gap and ensure smooth continuation of the mission in the upcoming quarters—(KNO)