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On Wednesday, experts hailed Ayushman Bharat, India’s flagship healthcare initiative, for its significant strides in advancing healthcare services and empowering rural communities. Launched in 2018, this comprehensive initiative comprises two key components: the establishment of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – a transformative scheme providing health insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
The HWCs, operating at sub-centers, deliver standardized preventive and curative services while bolstering manpower and supplies, thereby ensuring quality healthcare at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, PM-JAY, offering insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for health services, aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and alleviate financial burdens on individuals.
Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, highlighted the pivotal role of these initiatives in breaking the cycle of ill health and poverty. He emphasized the urgency for accelerated implementation by district and state administrations to maximize their impact.
Designed to combat the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, HWCs provide comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services, particularly crucial in rural areas where healthcare accessibility has historically been challenging.
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, lauded Ayushman Bharat for addressing affordability issues, empowering citizens to seek healthcare without fear of financial ruin.
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya commended the achievements of Ayushman Bharat, noting its role in saving lives and preventing poverty. He highlighted the scheme’s reach, providing healthcare to millions and saving them from financial distress.
As of May 31, PM-JAY has enlisted over 28,350 hospitals and healthcare providers, benefiting more than 519 million vulnerable families across India. The initiative has also established over 1.2 million health and wellness centers, ensuring primary healthcare access in remote areas.
In the recent interim budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated ₹7,500 crore for PM-JAY, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility. Additionally, the scheme was extended to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers and helpers, further strengthening its reach in rural areas.
Dr. Sabine Kapasi, Advisor at UN Covid-19 Task Force, underscored these developments’ potential to amplify healthcare accessibility and impact, particularly in rural communities. Integration of ASHA workers into the scheme is anticipated to bolster outreach and effectiveness in remote areas.
The positive strides in healthcare accessibility are poised to transform rural healthcare landscape, marking a significant leap towards equitable healthcare for all Indians.
