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In a significant move towards inclusivity and equitable healthcare access, the Government has expanded the reach of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to encompass the transgender community. As of November 30, 023, a total of 761 hospital admissions have been authorized under PM-JAY, amounting to Rs. 1.12 Crores, specifically dedicated to transgender beneficiaries benefitting from the scheme.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been forged between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), heralding an extension of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) benefits to the transgender community. Under this agreement, individuals registered on the National Portal for Transgender Persons are entitled to receive free healthcare services at any of the AB PM-JAY empaneled hospitals.
The initiative is aligned with the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) framework launched by MoSJE, reinforcing healthcare provisions for the transgender community. Moreover, the National AIDS Control Programme, currently in its fifth phase, has identified the transgender community as a High-Risk Group (HRG) for HIV infection. Consequently, targeted intervention projects and the Link Worker Scheme are being employed to provide HIV testing, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and necessary healthcare services.
To address mental health concerns among marginalized communities, including the transgender population, the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has been implemented nationwide. Mental health services are an integral part of the Comprehensive Primary Health Care under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) Scheme, offering treatment for various mental disorders. Additionally, the “National Tele Mental Health Programme” (NTMHP) has been initiated to enhance access to quality mental health counselling and care services across the country.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Singh Bhagel, highlighted these developments, affirming the Government’s commitment to extending comprehensive healthcare benefits to all eligible individuals, including the transgender community. AB PM-JAY, recognized as the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, aims to provide health coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 Crore poor families. The scheme identifies beneficiaries based on specific deprivation and occupational criteria, ensuring access to free healthcare services for those eligible under the specified criteria.
