The
Ayushman Bharat Scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PM-JAY), is a revolutionary initiative by the Indian government aimed at
providing universal health coverage to millions of economically vulnerable
families. Launched in 2018, it has transformed India’s healthcare
landscape by offering financial protection and improving access to quality
medical services.
This
article explores the historical background, key features, eligibility criteria,
benefits, challenges, and frequently asked questions to provide an in-depth
understanding of the scheme.
The
Ayushman Bharat Scheme was born out of the need to address India’s persistent
healthcare challenges. Before its launch, a significant portion of India’s
population lacked access to affordable healthcare, with millions falling into
poverty due to catastrophic medical expenses.
·
Planning
Phase: In 2017, the
Indian government announced its intention to develop a universal health
coverage scheme targeting the economically weaker sections.
· Launch: In September 2018, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi officially launched Ayushman Bharat from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
· Inspiration: The scheme drew insights from global
healthcare models while tailoring its approach to suit India’s socio-economic
and geographical diversity.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
Ayushman
Bharat is a holistic health program designed to strengthen India’s healthcare
infrastructure and make quality medical care accessible to all. It has two key
components:
1.
Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):
· Over
1.5 lakh HWCs are planned to provide free primary healthcare services,
including:
ü
Maternal
and child health.
ü
Management
of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
ü
Basic
diagnostic tests and medicines.
2.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
·
This
is the secondary and tertiary healthcare component.
·
It
provides financial assistance for hospitalization and specialized treatments.
Key Features of PM-JAY
1.
Extensive Health Coverage:
·
Offers
up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for medical expenses.
·
Covers
nearly 74 crore individuals (10.74 crore families).
2.
Cashless and Paperless:
·
Beneficiaries
can avail of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
·
The
process is paperless, ensuring faster access to care.
3.
Nationwide Portability:
·
Beneficiaries
can receive treatment in any state, promoting healthcare mobility.
4.
Comprehensive Treatment Packages:
·
Includes
over 1,500 procedures such as heart surgeries, cancer treatment, and organ
transplants.
5.
Empanelled Hospitals:
·
A
mix of public and private hospitals ensures wide accessibility.
Eligibility Criteria
·
Ayushman
Bharat PM-JAY targets the poorest and most vulnerable families based on the
Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
1.
Eligibility in Rural Areas:
·
Families
without adult male members aged 16–59.
·
Families
with no literate adult above 25 years.
·
Households
living in kuccha (makeshift) homes.
2.
Eligibility in Urban Areas:
·
Includes
11 occupational categories such as domestic workers, street vendors, rickshaw
pullers, sanitation workers, and security guards.
How to Avail Benefits?
1.
Check Eligibility:
·
To
check the eligibility, visit the PM-JAY website or contact a Common Service
Centre (CSC).
2.
Hospital Selection:
·
Choose
an empanelled public or private hospital.
3.
Present Identification:
·
Use
your Ayushman Bharat card or government ID to verify identity.
4.
Treatment:
·
Receive
cashless treatment under the scheme’s packages.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat
1.
Economic Relief:
·
Eliminates
out-of-pocket expenses for costly medical procedures.
2.
Improved Access:
·
Brings
quality healthcare to underserved rural and urban areas.
3.
Focus on Wellness:
·
HWCs
emphasize preventive care and early disease detection.
4.
Healthcare Infrastructure Development:
·
Encourages
private hospitals to invest in rural and semi-urban areas.
Challenges and Criticism
1.
Awareness Gap:
·
Many
eligible families are unaware of their entitlement.
2.
Insufficient Hospital Coverage:
·
Private
hospitals in rural areas are underrepresented.
3.
Fraud and Misuse:
·
Some
reports of fraudulent claims and misuse of funds.
4.
Variable Implementation:
·
Different
states show varying degrees of success in implementing the scheme.
Recent Developments
1.
Expanding Coverage:
·
Efforts
are underway to include more hospitals and increase outreach campaigns.
2.
Technological Integration:
·
Use
of Artificial Intelligence and IT systems to monitor fraud and streamline
processes.
Conclusion
The
Ayushman Bharat Scheme is a transformative initiative in India’s journey toward
universal healthcare. By addressing financial barriers, improving access to
quality medical services, and fostering health equity, the scheme has
positively impacted millions of lives. However, continuous efforts are needed
to overcome challenges and ensure its benefits reach every corner of the
country.
FAQs on Ayushman Bharat
1. Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat?
Families
listed in the SECC 2011 database and fulfilling the scheme’s criteria for rural
or urban areas are eligible.
2. How do I check if I am eligible?
Visit
the PM-JAY website, enter your mobile number, and check eligibility under the
beneficiary list.
3. What is covered under the scheme?
Over
1,500 medical procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatments, and maternity
care, are covered. It also includes hospital room charges, medications, and
follow-ups.
4. Can I use Ayushman Bharat outside my state?
Yes,
the scheme offers nationwide portability, allowing beneficiaries to access
services anywhere in India.
5. Do I need to pay anything?
No,
the scheme ensures cashless treatment for all eligible families.
6. How is Ayushman Bharat funded?
The program is jointly funded by the central and state governments.
0 Comments