In recent developments, Gujarat has secured the third position nationally with 2,675 hospitals empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a flagship health insurance scheme aiming to provide accessible healthcare to millions. Of these, 923 hospitals, or 36%, are private establishments, marking a significant contribution from the private sector to the state’s healthcare infrastructure. This robust participation underscores the growing role of private healthcare in supporting public health initiatives.
However, the news comes amidst controversy surrounding Khyati Hospital, where two patients tragically passed away after undergoing angioplasty procedures covered by the scheme. This incident has prompted scrutiny of the scheme’s implementation. While Gujarat has debarred three hospitals in the past six years, the recent debarment of seven hospitals, including Khyati, has raised concerns. The debarment process is typically triggered by multiple complaints or investigations into malpractice, overcharging, or breaches in medical protocols. In Gujarat, debarments are only enforced when such complaints are substantiated, according to sources in the state’s health department.
The number of empanelled hospitals in Gujarat has steadily increased since the inception of PM-JAY. In 2018-19, 1,450 government hospitals and 312 private facilities joined the initiative. The number of private hospitals reached its peak in 2021-22 with 158 new enrollments. This growth reflects the expanding scope of the scheme, which aims to ensure that citizens, especially those in rural areas, have access to quality medical care without facing financial barriers.
In comparison, Uttar Pradesh leads the country with 5,837 empanelled hospitals, followed by Karnataka with 3,552. While Gujarat ranks third, the state’s achievements are also tempered by the challenges it faces, such as hospital malpractices that have resulted in debarment. In terms of debarred hospitals, Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 439, closely followed by Uttar Pradesh with 416, and Maharashtra with 387. Despite these setbacks, Gujarat’s strong focus on improving healthcare access through PM-JAY remains an integral part of its healthcare agenda, contributing to national efforts in improving the health and well-being of the population.
