In January 2025, Odisha became the 34th state to sign a Memorandum of About (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA) to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This historic agreement aims to enhance healthcare access for approximately 1.03 crore families in Odisha, improving health outcomes across the state.
Overview of AB PM-JAY
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health coverage scheme. It provides a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per annum. Women members receive an additional ₹5 lakh. The scheme is designed to support the economically weaker sections of society. It covers nearly 45% of India’s population and has recorded over 8.19 crore hospital admissions since its inception.
Integration with Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana
The implementation of AB PM-JAY in Odisha will occur alongside the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY). This integration aims to streamline healthcare services and enhance accessibility. The convergence is expected to benefit around 4.5 crore residents of Odisha.
Impact on Healthcare Access
The scheme has increased hospital admissions, especially in remote areas. For instance, even in Naxal-affected districts, hospital admissions rose by 4.3%. A study revealed that access to healthcare for cancer patients improved by 33%. This indicates a positive trend in health-seeking behaviour among the population.
Wide Range of Medical Procedures Covered
AB PM-JAY covers nearly 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties. This includes major surgeries like bypass surgeries and knee replacements. The extensive coverage ensures that a wide range of health needs is met, thereby improving overall health outcomes.
Digital Transformation of Healthcare
The scheme is fully digitised, facilitating cashless treatment in over 29,000 empanelled hospitals. This digital infrastructure supports efficient service delivery and enhances the quality of healthcare in Odisha. The integration of digital services is expected to drive progressive development in the state’s healthcare sector.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The MoU was signed in the presence of key government officials, including the Union Minister of Health. The officials expressed optimism about the scheme’s potential to transform healthcare in Odisha. They brought into light the importance of addressing health inequalities and expanding healthcare services to underserved populations.
Significance for Odisha
This initiative is seen as important step towards improving the health status of 86% of Odisha’s population. The collaboration between state and central governments aims to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas. It is expected to have a lasting impact on the health index of the state.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in enhancing healthcare access in India.
- Critically examine the challenges faced in the implementation of health schemes in rural areas of India.
- Explain the role of digital health technologies in improving healthcare delivery systems.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of government health schemes on the socio-economic status of marginalized communities.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in enhancing healthcare access in India.
- AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health coverage scheme, providing ₹5 lakh per family annually.
- The scheme aims to cover approximately 45% of India’s population, focusing on economically weaker sections.
- Since its inception, over 8.19 crore hospital admissions have been recorded, indicating increased healthcare access.
- It integrates with state schemes like Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana to enhance service delivery.
- Digital infrastructure allows cashless treatment in over 29,000 empaneled hospitals, improving accessibility.
2. Critically examine the challenges faced in the implementation of health schemes in rural areas of India.
- Limited healthcare infrastructure and resources in rural areas hinder effective implementation.
- Awareness and understanding of health schemes among rural populations are often low.
- Transportation challenges can restrict access to healthcare facilities for remote communities.
- Staff shortages, including doctors and healthcare workers, affect service delivery in rural settings.
- Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies can impede the timely distribution of benefits.
3. Explain the role of digital health technologies in improving healthcare delivery systems.
- Digital health technologies facilitate telemedicine, allowing remote consultations and reducing travel needs.
- Electronic health records improve patient data management and enhance continuity of care.
- Mobile health applications empower patients to manage their health and access information easily.
- Data analytics can identify health trends and inform policy decisions for better resource allocation.
- Digital platforms enable efficient communication between healthcare providers and patients, enhancing service delivery.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of government health schemes on the socio-economic status of marginalized communities.
- AB PM-JAY has increased hospital admissions among marginalized groups, improving health outcomes.
- Access to quality healthcare reduces financial burdens, allowing families to allocate resources to education and livelihood.
- Government schemes have improved maternal and child health indicators in rural areas, promoting healthier families.
- Increased access to healthcare has empowered women, leading to better health-seeking behaviors and economic participation.
- Examples from states like Madhya Pradesh show a 30-fold increase in hospital admissions due to health schemes, enhancing community welfare.
