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The Economic Survey 2023-24, presented by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, underscores the pivotal role of a robust healthcare system in fostering a resilient economy. Highlighting the government’s commitment to preventive and promotive healthcare, the Survey emphasizes the importance of universal access to quality healthcare services as a cornerstone for inclusive growth.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): A flagship initiative aimed at providing health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per year for underprivileged families, AB-PMJAY has made significant strides. As of July 8, 2024, the scheme has generated 34.73 crore Ayushman Bharat cards and covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions. Remarkably, women constitute 49% of the beneficiaries, showcasing the scheme’s inclusive reach.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras: In a significant milestone, the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra was inaugurated at AIIMS Deoghar. These centers provide quality medicines at 50-90% lower prices than market rates, with 1,965 medicines and 293 surgical equipment available. This initiative aims to make essential medicines more accessible and affordable.
AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment): Operating over 300 pharmacies across various states and UTs, AMRIT provides subsidized medicines for critical illnesses, further reducing the financial burden on patients.
Ayushman Bhav Campaign: Launched in September 2023, this campaign focuses on saturating healthcare services in every village and town, raising awareness about government healthcare schemes. Notable achievements include:
- 16.96 lakh wellness, yoga, and meditation sessions
- 1.89 crore teleconsultations
- Free drugs and diagnostic services availed by 11.64 crore and 9.28 crore people, respectively
- Ante-natal check-ups and immunizations for 82.10 lakh mothers and 90.15 lakh children
- Screening for TB, hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and cataract for 34.39 crore people
- General and specialist OPD consultations for 2.0 crore and 90.69 lakh patients, respectively
- 65,094 major and 1,96,156 minor surgeries conducted
- Creation of 13.48 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA), generation of 9.50 crore Ayushman cards, and organization of 1.20 lakh Ayushman Sabhas
- A cumulative footfall of 20.66 crore in 25.25 lakh health melas by March 31, 2024
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Launched in 2021, ABDM aims to create a national digital health ecosystem. As of now, 64.86 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created, along with 3.06 lakh Health Facility Registries, 4.06 lakh healthcare professional registrations, and linkage of 39.77 crore health records with ABHA.
eSanjeevani: This telemedicine initiative, launched in 2019, has facilitated virtual doctor consultations in remote areas. By July 9, 2024, it has served 26.62 crore patients across 128 specialties at 1.25 lakh Health & Wellness Centres, now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, through 15,857 hubs.
Conclusion
The Economic Survey 2023-24 clearly illustrates the critical role of the health sector in building a resilient and inclusive economy. Through various initiatives like AB-PMJAY, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, AMRIT, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the government aims to ensure ‘Quality Healthcare for All,’ thereby laying a solid foundation for long-term economic growth and development.
