Increased scrutiny delays PM-JAY approvals in Ahmedabad hospitals

Ahmedabad: A patient admitted for angioplasty at a major corporate hospital in Ahmedabad earlier this week experienced delays under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). According to the hospital administrator, initial approvals that previously took 30 to 45 minutes now take up to three hours. Documentation requirements have also increased, with additional reports and test results, such as blood tests and treadmill tests, now being mandated.

It is learned that this delay might be the fallout from the deaths of two patients of Mehsana’s Borisana village after alleged misuse of angioplasty procedures at Khyati Hospital last week. State health department officials are exercising greater scrutiny to prevent further misuse. Hospitals have also tightened their admission processes, with many deploying dedicated staff to verify PM-JAY cards, Aadhaar cards, and medical records. A hospital CEO noted that new guidelines and standard operating procedures from the state government are anticipated soon.