||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh August 25,2024 ||

Sakheel, a prominent social media figure, recently took to social media to voice his concerns about the current state of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Jammu & Kashmir

JAMMU: In a video that began with greetings of “Maha Pursh Ji Namaste, Jai Bhim, Satsriakal, and Adaab,” Sheikh Sakheel congratulated the community on Janmashtami. He shared his appreciation for how the Dogras of Jammu celebrate the festival, highlighting the tradition of kite flying. Sakheel fondly recalled his childhood memories of preparing reels, flying kites throughout the day, and getting sunburned—a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

However, the tone of the video quickly shifted as Sakheel addressed a pressing issue affecting the people of Jammu & Kashmir: the sudden halt of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He expressed his concern over the discontinuation of the scheme due to non-payment of ₹300 crores to the insurance company, Iffco Tokio. As a result, private hospitals have stopped providing services under the scheme, leaving many citizens, especially the poor, without critical healthcare coverage.

Sakheel emphasized the importance of health and education, calling for immediate action from the authorities. He warned that if the situation is not resolved by September 1, private hospitals will refuse to accept the Ayushman card, leading to widespread suffering.

In his message, Sakheel urged “Maha Pursh Ji,” who he referred to as having special powers granted by the Central Government, to intervene and ensure that the Ayushman Bharat scheme is revived. He stressed that this flagship program, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was intended to benefit the poor and should not be neglected.

He concluded by questioning the whereabouts of the funds allocated for the scheme and demanded that the government prioritize the needs of the poor, ensuring that the Ayushman Bharat card is reinstated without delay. Sheikh Sakheel’s plea resonates with the growing concerns among the people of Jammu & Kashmir about the accessibility of healthcare in the region.