Ayushman Bharat :
Ayushman Bharat, also known as the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), is a groundbreaking initiative launched by the Government of India with the aim of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to millions of Indian citizens. This ambitious program, inaugurated on September 23, 2018, represents a significant step towards universal health coverage and aims to address critical gaps in the country’s healthcare system.
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Universal Health Coverage:
To provide health insurance coverage to the economically vulnerable populations.
Financial Protection:
To reduce out-of-pocket expenditures on healthcare and prevent financial hardship due to medical expenses.
Improved Access:
To enhance access to quality healthcare services, including hospitalization and treatment, for the underserved and poor segments of the population.
Strengthening Health Infrastructure:
To improve and expand the healthcare infrastructure and services in both urban and rural areas.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
This component provides a coverage of up to INR 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. It covers over 10 crore families, benefiting nearly 50 crore people.
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Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs):
These centres are designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and curative care. The goal is to establish 1.5 lakh such centres across the country.
Integration with Existing Schemes:
Ayushman Bhrat integrates with existing health insurance schemes and public health initiatives to create a unified framework for healthcare delivery.
Implementation Strategies
- State-Level Execution: The scheme is implemented at the state level with each state adapting the program to fit its specific needs and health infrastructure.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with public and private hospitals, insurance companies, and other stakeholders are essential for the scheme’s effective execution.
- Technology Integration: Use of digital platforms for registration, claim processing, and tracking of services ensures transparency and efficiency.
- Capacity Building: Training and capacity building for healthcare providers and administrators are crucial for the successful implementation of the scheme.
Ayushman Bharat Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 23, 2018 |
| Primary Goals | 1. Universal health coverage. Financial protection<br>3. Improved access. Strengthening health infrastructure |
| Key Components | 1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)<br>3. Integration with existing schemes |
| Coverage | Up to INR 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization Over 10 crore families (50 crore people) |
| Implementation Strategy | State-level execution, partnerships, technology integration, capacity building |
| Expected Number of AB-HWCs | 1.5 lakh |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ayushman Bhrat?
- Ayushman Bharat is a national health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial protection and improve access to quality healthcare services for economically vulnerable populations.
2. When was Ayushman Bhrat launched?
- The scheme was officially launched on September 23, 2018.
3. What are the main components of Ayushman Bhrat?
Ayushman Bharat consists of two main components:
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Provides health coverage of up to INR 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
- Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): Aims to establish 1.5 lakh centres to offer comprehensive primary healthcare services.
4. Who is eligible for coverage under PM-JAY?
- The scheme targets over 10 crore families from economically vulnerable sections of society. Eligibility is determined based on socio-economic criteria, which are assessed by state governments.
5. What services are covered under Ayushman Barat?
- The scheme covers a range of medical services including hospitalization, surgical procedures, diagnostics, and follow-up care for secondary and tertiary treatments. It also includes pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.
6. How does Ayushman Barat integrate with existing health schemes?
- Ayushman Barat aims to create a unified framework by integrating with various existing health insurance schemes and public health initiatives. This helps streamline services and eliminate duplicative efforts.
7. How can beneficiaries access Ayushman Barat services?
- Beneficiaries can access services through a network of empaneled hospitals and clinics. They need to be registered under the scheme and can use their Ayushman Barat card for treatment.
8. What are Ayushman Barat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)?
- AB-HWCs are primary healthcare centres designed to provide a range of services including preventive, promotive, and curative care. They aim to strengthen the primary healthcare system and improve access to basic health services.
9. How is Ayushman Barat funded?
- The scheme is funded through central and state government contributions. It also involves partnerships with private insurance companies and healthcare providers.
10. What role does technology play in Ayushman Bhrat?
- Technology is integral to Ayushman Bhrat for managing registrations, processing claims, and tracking service delivery. Digital platforms enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and improve efficiency.
Conclusion
Ayushman Bhrat represents a monumental shift in India’s approach to healthcare by focusing on providing comprehensive coverage and improving access to quality medical services. Through its multifaceted approach, which includes both insurance coverage and primary healthcare enhancement, the scheme aims to make significant strides towards achieving universal health coverage. By addressing both financial protection and health infrastructure, Ayushman Barat is set to make a lasting impact on the well-being of millions of Indians.
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