Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 23: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) which was launched on 23rd Sept 2018 has completed eight years of a transformative journey towards making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for eligible families across the country. The scheme has continued to expand its reach and strengthen the country’s commitment towards reducing the financial burden of hospitalisation.
Launched with the vision of ensuring that no family is forced to compromise on necessary medical treatment due to financial constraints, AB-PMJAY provides health cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The scheme enables eligible beneficiaries to access treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals through a cashless and paperless process, providing greater financial security during times of medical need.
Over the years, Ayushman Bharat has continued to evolve in response to the changing healthcare needs of the country. A significant step in this journey has been the inclusion of all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, under the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative. This reflects the broader vision of ensuring that healthcare protection reaches people across different stages of life.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the scheme has also been making steady progress in extending health assurance to eligible beneficiaries. As on date, 91,423 Ayushman Cards have been generated across the Islands, including 4,848 Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards for senior citizens. These cards serve as an important gateway for eligible beneficiaries to access the healthcare benefits available under the scheme. Further, 3,164 patients have been referred for treatment under AB-PMJAY, facilitating access to necessary healthcare services and specialised treatment through the empanelled healthcare network. These efforts reflect the continued focus on strengthening beneficiary coverage, facilitating access to treatment and ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach people across the Islands.
The State Health Agency implementing Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in the UT continues to focus on strengthening awareness, facilitating access to healthcare, and ensuring effective delivery of health services, thereby advancing the vision of a healthier, more inclusive and empowered India.