Union Minister of State (Health) SP Singh Baghel has called on the state governments of Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal to join the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme. This move comes as part of a renewed push to expand the reach of the government’s flagship healthcare program, which provides critical health coverage to economically disadvantaged individuals.
The AB PM-JAY scheme, often referred to as “Modicare,” offers comprehensive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for eligible beneficiaries. It aims to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations and reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on families living below the poverty line.
The call for these states to join the scheme was made during a two-day celebration called Arogya Manthan, which commenced in New Delhi. The event marks a significant milestone—five years of AB PMJAY’s implementation and two years of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
During the inaugural session of Arogya Manthan, Minister Baghel highlighted the pivotal role of Ayushman Bharat in transforming healthcare accessibility in India. He emphasized that the scheme has enabled economically disadvantaged individuals to access high-quality medical treatment, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
One of the significant achievements of the program is the staggering number of hospital admissions. Over 5.59 crore hospital admissions have been facilitated under PM-JAY since its inception. This indicates the substantial demand for healthcare services among India’s underserved populations.
The inclusion of 27,343 hospitals in the scheme, both public and private, further underscores its widespread reach. These empaneled healthcare facilities offer cashless and portable treatment options to beneficiaries, ensuring that they receive necessary medical care without financial constraints.
States that have actively embraced the program and demonstrated effective implementation were recognized and awarded during the event. Categories for recognition included gender equity in service delivery, efficient grievance redressal mechanisms, and the highest number of treatments provided.
Kerala, Meghalaya, and Puducherry received awards for achieving the highest number of treatments in the categories of large state, small state, and union territory, respectively. These accolades underscore the commitment of these regions to delivering quality healthcare services to their populations.
Furthermore, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir were honored for their achievements in promoting gender equity in service delivery, an essential aspect of ensuring equitable healthcare access.
In addition to the awards, special recognition was given to AIIMS Delhi for generating the highest number of ABHA Scan and Share tokens, showcasing the institution’s dedication to leveraging technology for healthcare delivery.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has also played a crucial role in strengthening the program. It has resulted in the creation of over 45 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs, registration of 2,19,546 health facilities, and onboarding of approximately 2,28,794 healthcare professionals.
As India continues its efforts to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens, the celebration of Ayushman Bharat’s achievements serves as a reminder of the significant progress made in improving the health and well-being of millions. The call for the remaining states to join the AB PM-JAY scheme underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
