Port Blair, Sept. 25: Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship scheme of the Govt. of India, launched on 23rd September, 2018, and is the world’s largest health assurance programme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI. To mark the occasion of completion of 5 years of implementation of Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, the State Health Agency, A&N Islands observed ‘Ayushman Diwas’ at the lecture Hall of ANIIMS, Port Blair. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services was the chief guest on the occasion while Dr. Pragya Sharma, Director, ANIIMS was the guest of honor. The programme was also attended by the Joint Secretaries of various National Health Programmes, students of Nursing College, faculty from ANIIMS and beneficiaries of the scheme among others.
In her address, the Director of Health Services urged the gathering to disseminate information about the scheme in the community, so that eligible beneficiaries can avail the benefits under the scheme when needed. Dr. P. Lal, Nodal Officer AB-PMJAY briefed the gathering about the various aspects of the scheme and the progress made in the implementation of the scheme in these Islands.
Two beneficiaries from the Islands, who had undergone cashless treatment at mainland under the scheme shared their experiences and thanked the Administration and Hon’ble Prime Minister for the scheme. The winners of the Essay Competition held at Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Port Blair as part of the Ayushman Diwas celebration were also awarded during the function.