UP Private Hospitals Oppose Mandatory NABH, Form Legal Cell to Resolve PM-JAY Disputes

Lucknow : The PMJAY UP Private Hospital Association (PUPHA) convened an important state-level meeting today at 5:00 PM, bringing together representatives from more than 200 private hospitals across Uttar Pradesh. The Association, which currently represents a network of approximately 350 empanelled private hospitals, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) while safeguarding the interests of quality healthcare providers.

The meeting witnessed active participation from hospital owners, administrators, and healthcare leaders, who discussed the growing operational challenges being faced by empanelled hospitals. Members unanimously emphasized that the Association’s primary objective is to ensure uninterrupted, quality, and accessible healthcare for Ayushman beneficiaries while advocating for transparent, practical, and equitable policy implementation.

Major Resolutions Passed

1. Opposition to Compulsory NABH Accreditation
The Association unanimously resolved to oppose the mandatory implementation of NABH accreditation as a compulsory prerequisite for hospitals providing services under PM-JAY. Members expressed concern that enforcing compulsory NABH accreditation without adequate financial support, realistic timelines, and policy consultation would adversely affect many hospitals, particularly small and medium-sized institutions that serve rural and semi-urban populations. The Association clarified that it supports quality improvement but believes accreditation should be encouraged rather than imposed through coercive measures.

2. Appointment of District Coordinators
To strengthen organizational structure and improve coordination at the grassroots level, it was unanimously decided to appoint dedicated District Coordinators across Uttar Pradesh. These coordinators will act as the primary link between member hospitals and the Association, ensuring prompt communication, representation of local issues, and coordinated action.

3. Formation of a Legal Team
Recognizing the increasing number of disputes relating to claim rejections, policy changes, recoveries, and regulatory issues, the Association approved the constitution of a dedicated Legal Team. The legal cell will provide guidance to member hospitals, represent common concerns before the appropriate authorities, and safeguard the legitimate interests of empanelled hospitals.

4. Expansion of Membership
Members unanimously resolved to further strengthen the Association by expanding its membership throughout Uttar Pradesh. A larger and more representative organization will enable constructive dialogue with government authorities and ensure that the concerns of private healthcare providers are effectively addressed.

Commitment to Patient Care

The Association reiterated that private hospitals remain committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. While supporting initiatives that improve healthcare standards, members stressed that policy decisions should be practical, transparent, and developed through consultation with stakeholders to ensure that patient care is not adversely affected.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to work together for the welfare of patients, the sustainability of healthcare institutions, and the continued success of the PM-JAY scheme in Uttar Pradesh.