The Gujarat Interventional Cardiologists Forum has announced a temporary strike in cardiology services offered at private hospitals under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme across Gujarat from April 1 to 7.

The doctors demand better reimbursement rates for cardiology treatments, claiming that the current rates are not in line with the inflation.

The cost of treatment has increased continuously over the last decade. However, the package rates have not increased accordingly, which is creating obstacles in providing quality treatment to patients, claim the cardiologists.

The forum said, “The aim of PMJAY is to make healthcare accessible. But the rates decided by ignoring the economic realities are a hindrance. Insufficient increase in PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) and other packages is making it difficult to provide interventional cardiology services under PMJAY.”

If proper reforms are not made, interventional cardiology services under the PMJAY scheme will have to be stopped from April 1, stated the forum.

Issues raised by cardiologists

• The rate of PCI under ‘MAA’ scheme in 2015 was ₹45,000, which is currently at ₹50,800 under PMJAY, which shows an annual growth rate of only 1.22%. Despite significant increase in equipment, staff, other expenses for treatment, the rates of the packages have remained the same
• Coronary angiography rackage rates remain unchanged since 2015
• Despite being a life-saving treatment, IABP (intra-aortic balloon pump) not covered under PMJAY
• Disparity between CTVS (Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery) and PCI Packages
• No categorisation of cities for PMJAY package

Representation to Collectors

A representation in this regard was presented to the District Collectors of Gujarat. In addition, a representation has also been made to the Gujarat State Health Agency and PMJAY authorities, said the doctors.