What if you could get the best medical care without worrying about the cost? How would you feel knowing your health was in good hands? Can you imagine a world where everyone has access to quality healthcare?
While it has remained a dream for millions of Indians, the Government of India’s landmark initiative, Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) launched in 2018, has made healthcare affordable and accessible for all.
Let’s look at how this initiative will transform millions of lives by providing them with comprehensive health coverage, high-quality health services, and digital health infrastructure. The scheme has received global recognition and appreciation and has inspired other countries to adopt similar health insurance models for their citizens!
Objectives of PM-JAY for Healthcare Industry
The world’s largest government-funded healthcare program covers over 50 crore beneficiaries from poor and vulnerable families, providing coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for special care and special equipment use during hospitalization.
The main objectives of AB-NHPM are to:
- Reduce the financial burden of out-of-pocket expenditure on health and prevent catastrophic health expenditures for poor and marginalized families.
- Improve access to quality health services for PM-JAY beneficiaries across public and private health facilities.
- Create a network of health and wellness centers (HWCs) to provide comprehensive primary health care, including prevention, promotion, and ambulatory care.
- Strengthen the health system and infrastructure by leveraging digital technologies, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the country’s integrated digital health infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria of PM-JAY
Anyone from India can benefit from this initiative if they match any of these criteria:
- First of all, your annual Income has to be below Rs 2.5 Lakh
- Your family does not have any income members above 16 years of Age.
- If you belong to the SC or ST Category, then you can also register online for this scheme.
- If you do not have a permanent residence, then you can also apply for the Ayushman Yojana and get this health card.
Impact of AB-NHPM on Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability
The impact of AB-NHPM on healthcare accessibility and affordability for the beneficiaries has been remarkable and unprecedented. According to the latest data from the National Health Authority (NHA):
- More than 5.5 crore hospital admissions have been authorized under the scheme.
- The beneficiaries can avail of cashless and paperless benefits from any of these hospitals nationwide, irrespective of their domicile.
- Beneficiaries are able to access high-quality and specialized medical services, such as cardiac surgeries, cancer treatments, knee replacements, and organ transplants.
- The scheme has contributed to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and preventing and controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- It has been generating employment opportunities for health professionals, technicians, and administrators and stimulating the growth of the health sector and the economy.
Success Story of AB-NHPM
To illustrate the scheme’s impact, let us look at the story of Ramesh, a 45-year-old farmer from Bihar who suffered from a heart attack and needed urgent bypass surgery. He had no health insurance and could not afford the treatment, which would have cost him around ₹2 lakh.
Ramesh was about to give up hope when he learned that he was eligible for AB-NHPM. He was admitted to a nearby impaneled hospital, where he underwent the surgery without paying a single rupee. He recovered well and returned to his family and work, grateful for the scheme that saved his life.
Ramesh is one of the millions of beneficiaries who have benefited from AB-NHPM and whose stories testify to the success and impact of the scheme.
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Recognition and Appreciation of AB-NHPM
AB-NHPM has received global recognition and appreciation for its vision, design, and implementation. The scheme has been praised by various international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Conclusion
AB-NHPM is a revolutionary and visionary initiative that has transformed the healthcare landscape of India. It has provided millions of Indians with access to quality and affordable healthcare, improved their health outcomes and well-being, and strengthened the health system and infrastructure. It has also received global acclaim and admiration and set an example for other countries.
AB-NHPM is not just a scheme but a movement. A movement that aims to create a healthy, happy, and prosperous India. A movement that is making healthcare a right, not a privilege. A movement that is making Ayushman Bharat a Healthy India.
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I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.