Port Blair, Sept. 23: The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (AB-PBJAY) was launched today by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi through a live web cast all over India today from Ranchi. The launching of Ayushman Bharat was also done in A&N Islands by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd) at a state level function held at the auditorium of GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair today. The launch in the Islands was done before dignitaries from  local bodies, eminent citizens and officer from the ANI Administration.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt. Governor, Admiral DK Joshi said that it’s a historic occasion  when such a scheme is launched. It’s more of historic relevance for the Islands when compared to the nation together. The key features of this scheme makes it a very unique and ambitious project, he said.

A total of 24.49 Crore people and 10.74 Crore households have been covered under the scheme throughout India making it around 50 Crore individual beneficiaries. Such an ambitious project does not exist in the world, said the Lt. Governor. The project is not only ambitious but is very technology dependent to ease it for the beneficiaries.  The implementation of which becomes our responsibility without having an iota of doubt, said the Lt. Governor.

In the islands 21,000 people have been covered under the scheme out of which 77% are from the rural areas. We already have ANISHI Scheme under which Rs. 5 Lakh per individual per year is granted. We will be combining both ANISHI and Ayushman Bharat for maximum benefit of the islanders.

As on today, Andaman & Nicobar’s health care is the highest and most ambitious when compared to any other parts of the country. Due to network connectivity, it may take some time but will definitely work out, added the Lt. Governor.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Chetan B Sanghi explained that schemes like ANISHI exists in many other states but Ayushman Bharat will give a comprehensive coverage with its features. Every year an amount of Rs. 5 Lakh will be topped up to the beneficiaries account even if it remains unutilized. The scheme will be a blessing for the poor, Sanghi said.

He urged the people of the islands to adopt best practices and said that the islands health sector is very much prepared for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat. Sanghi also said that Garacharma CHC will be soon converted into a District Hospital. We require doctors in the inter islands first than in Port Blair, the Chief Secretary said requesting the Director of Health Service to ensure availability of doctors in rural areas.

Sanghi also called upon everyone in the health sector to do their best to make the scheme a success.

Earlier, Monika Priyadarshini, CEO (AB-PMJAY) through a power point presentation explained the detailed plans in place to implement Ayushman Bharat in the islands. She also said that if anyone islander wishes to know about his/her status, they may call toll free number 104 or 14555 for details.

During the launch programme, five identified beneficiaries were handed over documents and golden cards by the Lt. Governor. 

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Director of Health Services, Dr. SP Burma.