The Union Health Ministry has announced plans for the National Health Authority (NHA) to integrate the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 beneficiaries’ database with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) portal. Through this, beneficiaries will be able to garner information regarding their entitlements under the Ayushman Bharat ā Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) using their ration card number.
The Role of the National Health Authority (NHA)
An autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860, the NHA is responsible for implementing PM-JAY in alliance with state governments. This includes the formulation of AB PMJAY policies, the development of operational guidelines, coordination with state governments, implementation mechanisms, monitoring, and oversight of AB PM-JAY. The State Health Agency (SHA) is the organization within each state government responsible for implementing AB PM-JAY.
Intended Benefits of Database Integration
Integrating the databases will allow NHA to utilize Fair Price Shops or ration shops to provide information about the scheme and entitlement under the scheme. Additionally, it will assist in developing more service points and provide an additional avenue for card creation, alongside the existing Common Service Centre. This process aims to make beneficiary identification more convenient.
Aadhaar, a common identity across a majority of government databases, will facilitate this integration. Aadhaar also provides certainty regarding beneficiary identification through e-KYC (Know Your Customer). This paperless delivery of services enables targeted service distribution.
Collaboration for Effective Implementation
The NHA will collaborate with various ministries implementing welfare schemes to strengthen the different aspects of scheme implementation. These include beneficiary awareness campaigns and enriching the SECC 2011 beneficiary database. In achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims, the vast ambition of the AB-PMJAY program offers an opportunity for India to pursue systemic reform.
Provisions under AB PM-JAY
AB PM-JAY provides Rs.5 lakh per family for secondary care as well as tertiary care, under a cashless and paperless access to health services framework. Services include surgery, medical and day-care treatments, cost of medicines, and diagnostics, all covered under the Health Benefit Packages. The scheme also prescribes a daily limit for medical management.
Main Features of the NFSA 2013
The NFSA aims to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to quality food at affordable prices. The Act covers 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population, catering to 67% of the total population.
Key provisions include 5 Kgs of food grains per person per month at subsidized rates, meal and maternity benefit not less than Rs. 6,000 to pregnant women and lactating mothers, meals for children up to 14 years, food security allowance in case of non-supply of entitled foodgrains or meals, and grievance redressal mechanisms at the district and state levels.