Ayushman Bharat Completes 8 Years: PM Modi Highlights Savings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the significant savings achieved by citizens through the Ayushman Bharat scheme as it completed eight years.
Source: GNews PM SchemeAyushman Bharat, India's flagship health insurance scheme, recently completed eight years since its launch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked this milestone by emphasizing the substantial financial relief it has provided to millions of beneficiaries. The scheme, officially known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), aims to provide health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. PM Modi noted that the scheme has saved beneficiaries over Rs 1 lakh crore in medical expenses, preventing many from falling into poverty due to healthcare costs. Ayushman Bharat has also played a crucial role in expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country, especially for economically vulnerable sections. The scheme's focus on cashless and paperless treatment has streamlined the process for patients.
This news is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions) and SSC General Awareness. Aspirants should understand the objectives, features, and impact of major government welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat. Questions often focus on the scheme's financial outlay, target beneficiaries, and achievements in healthcare access and affordability. Its role in Universal Health Coverage is also a key area.
- Ayushman Bharat completed 8 years since its launch.
- The scheme is officially known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- It provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
- PM Modi stated that the scheme has saved beneficiaries over Rs 1 lakh crore in medical expenses.
- The scheme targets secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- Ayushman Bharat aims to provide cashless and paperless treatment.
Ayushman Bharat is a national health protection scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide free access to healthcare services for low-income earners. The scheme has two main components: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). It is one of the world's largest government-funded health insurance schemes.
PMJAY is the health insurance component of Ayushman Bharat. It provides a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. It covers over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. The scheme aims to reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure.
Health and Wellness Centres are the other component of Ayushman Bharat. They aim to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services closer to the community. These centres offer a range of services including maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and free essential drugs and diagnostic services. Over 1.5 lakh HWCs are operational across India.
UPSC and State PSC exams frequently ask about the features, benefits, and implementation challenges of major government welfare schemes. SSC exams often test specific figures like the coverage amount or launch year. Focus on the 'what, when, and how' of the scheme.
Remember 'AB' for 'Ayushman Bharat' and 'All Benefits' signifying comprehensive health benefits for all eligible families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
The primary objective of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India. It aims to provide financial protection to vulnerable families against catastrophic health expenditures and ensure access to quality healthcare services, particularly for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
How much health coverage does Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provide?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides a health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. This coverage is for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization and includes pre-hospitalisation expenses, post-hospitalisation expenses, and various medical procedures.
Which government ministry is responsible for implementing Ayushman Bharat?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is responsible for implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for implementing AB-PMJAY at the national level.