Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, aims to revolutionise healthcare in India. It provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance healthcare access and quality for millions of citizens. As of late 2024, the scheme has created approximately 36 crore Ayushman cards, facilitating access to healthcare services for numerous families across the nation.
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat
Ayushman Bharat is divided into two main components – the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). PM-JAY provides financial protection to economically vulnerable families. HWCs focus on preventive healthcare and wellness services. This dual approach ensures comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Expansion and Implementation
The scheme is operational in 33 states and Union Territories (UTs). It empanels around 29,929 hospitals, including 13,222 private institutions. This extensive network ensures that beneficiaries can access quality healthcare services close to home. The government has also included families of ASHA and Anganwadi workers in the scheme, further broadening its reach.
Impact on Healthcare Accessibility
Ayushman Bharat has improved healthcare access. It has authorised approximately 8.39 crore hospital admissions, amounting to ₹1.16 lakh crore in treatment costs. This financial support reduces the burden on families, allowing them to seek necessary medical care without financial strain.
Inclusion of Senior Citizens
In policy shift, the government expanded the scheme in October 2024 to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above. This change ensures that older adults receive essential healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic status, promoting inclusivity.
Digital Integration in Healthcare
The implementation of Ayushman Bharat is supported by digital technology. The creation of Ayushman cards and the management of hospital admissions are facilitated through digital platforms. This integration enhances transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
Role in Pandemic Response
Ayushman Bharat played important role during the COVID-19 pandemic. India successfully administered 221 crore vaccine doses, demonstrating the country’s capability to manage large-scale health initiatives. The scheme’s infrastructure supported the vaccination drive, ensuring that citizens received timely access to vaccines.
Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
Ayushman Bharat is part of a broader strategy that includes financial inclusion initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. These programmes aim to empower citizens economically and socially, contributing to overall national growth.
Future Prospects
As Ayushman Bharat continues to evolve, the government aims to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Future initiatives may include more comprehensive coverage and additional services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the population.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of Ayushman Bharat on healthcare accessibility in India.
- What are the key features of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana? How does it contribute to financial inclusion?
- Explain the significance of digital technology in the implementation of Ayushman Bharat.
- What are the challenges faced by the Ayushman Bharat scheme in reaching its intended beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of Ayushman Bharat on healthcare accessibility in India.
- Ayushman Bharat provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family, improving access to secondary and tertiary care.
- Approximately 36 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, enabling millions of families to access healthcare services.
- Over 8.39 crore hospital admissions have been authorized, amounting to ₹1.16 lakh crore in treatment costs, relieving financial burdens.
- The scheme is operational in 33 states/UTs, with nearly 30,000 empaneled hospitals, ensuring proximity to quality healthcare.
- Inclusion of vulnerable populations, such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers, enhances healthcare access for marginalized communities.
2. What are the key features of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana? How does it contribute to financial inclusion?
- PMJDY aims to provide every household with a bank account, promoting financial accessibility and savings.
- Over 54 crore accounts have been opened, with a total deposit balance of ₹2.39 lakh crore, reflecting financial growth.
- It includes the issuance of RuPay cards, facilitating digital transactions and enhancing financial literacy among users.
- The scheme has been particularly successful among women and rural populations, with 66% of accounts from these demographics.
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) ensure that government funds reach beneficiaries without intermediaries, reducing corruption.
3. Explain the significance of digital technology in the implementation of Ayushman Bharat.
- Digital platforms facilitate the creation and management of Ayushman cards, streamlining access to healthcare services.
- Real-time data management enhances transparency in hospital admissions and treatment authorizations.
- Digital integration allows for efficient tracking of beneficiaries and their healthcare needs, improving service delivery.
- Technological advancements have enabled quicker processing of claims, reducing wait times for patients.
- Digital solutions also support the government’s efforts in monitoring and evaluating the scheme’s impact and effectiveness.
4. What are the challenges faced by the Ayushman Bharat scheme in reaching its intended beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Awareness and understanding of the scheme among rural populations remain low, hindering access to benefits.
- Some beneficiaries face difficulties in navigating the digital platforms required for registration and claims processing.
- Empanelment of hospitals varies by region, leading to unequal access to healthcare services across states.
- Instances of fraud and misuse, such as fake beneficiaries, have been reported, complicating the distribution of benefits.
- Infrastructure challenges, particularly in remote areas, can limit the availability of quality healthcare facilities for beneficiaries.
