In Gujarat, the state government has issued new guidelines for empanelled hospitals under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Addressing the media in Gandhinagar, State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said the new guidelines are applicable for the treatment of various procedures for diseases like cardiology, cancer, paediatrics, and orthopaedics. He said the new SOP has been prepared to ensure no scope for irregularities and criminal activities.

As per the new guidelines, hospitals under this scheme will have to mandatorily upload CD/videography of angiography and angioplasty at the time of pre-authorisation. To determine the appropriate treatment plan as per the needs of the cancer patient, a certificate from the tumour board consisting of a joint panel of a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist must be uploaded.

The minister informed that so far, about two crore 65 lakh patients from 97 lakh families in the state have benefitted under this scheme. At present, more than 900 private and more than 1500 government hospitals have been included in PMJAY in the state. The Minister said the state government has also suspended 10 hospitals that violated the guidelines of PMJAY and penal action has been taken against them.