Florence Hospital Srinagar’s Empanelment Suspended for Six Months, ₹2.97 Lakh Penalty Imposed

Srinagar, Jan 14: The State Health Agency (SHA) under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has suspended the empanelment of Florence Hospital, Srinagar, for six months and imposed a penalty of ₹2.97 lakh. The decision follows complaints of malpractice and non-compliance with National Health Authority (NHA) guidelines.

A surprise inspection on November 23, 2024, revealed that the hospital coerced patients into paying out-of-pocket expenses and denied treatment under the scheme. Despite being issued a show-cause notice on December 18, 2024, the hospital’s response was deemed unsatisfactory.

Though its empanelment has been suspended, Florence Hospital is allowed to continue providing dialysis treatment to existing patients under AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT. The SHA has directed the hospital to deposit the penalty within five working days and warned of further action for non-compliance.but The SHA reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in empaneled healthcare facilities to protect beneficiaries’ rights.