The National Health Authority (NHA), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has recently introduced modifications in the hemodialysis packages under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). These include limiting the number of dialysis cycles per pre-authorization to six, mandating two bio-authentications (entry and exit) per cycle, and restricting the maximum permissible duration between entry and exit to four hours. These measures aim to ensure uniformity across States and to curb misuse or malpractices.

While fully supporting the objectives of enhancing accountability and transparency, the Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) is also concerned of potential operational challenges for hospitals and inconvenience for patients.

Accordingly, a request has been submitted to the NHA to review the recent modifications to ensure the system changes maintain a balance between ensuring accountability and safeguarding patient convenience. However, the response is awaited.

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It is further clarified that the Insurance Company cannot introduce any systemic changes or policy alterations in this matter.