Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. However, the governments of Delhi and West Bengal have refused to implement this scheme since 2019, citing concerns over bearing 40% of the costs. PM Modi has expressed his regret for not being able to serve the elderly people in these states and condemned the politicization of healthcare accessibility.
Ayushman Bharat: Empowering Healthcare for All
Introduction
Ayushman Bharat is a comprehensive healthcare initiative launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide universal healthcare coverage to every citizen, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The scheme comprises two main components: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC).
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
AB-PMJAY is a health insurance scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals for their healthcare expenses. It offers coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for hospitalization, day-care procedures, and other medical services.
Eligibility Criteria
AB-PMJAY is available to families identified as "Economically Weaker Sections" (EWS) and "Below Poverty Line" (BPL) families. These families can be identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
Refusal by Delhi and West Bengal
Despite the national implementation of AB-PMJAY, the governments of Delhi and West Bengal have refused to implement the scheme since 2019. They have cited concerns over bearing 40% of the costs, which are shared between the central and state governments.
Consequences of Refusal
The refusal by Delhi and West Bengal has resulted in the denial of healthcare coverage to eligible individuals in these states. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above, who would have benefited from the scheme, have been particularly affected.
Prime Minister's Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed regret for the inability to serve the elderly in Delhi and West Bengal due to the politicization of healthcare accessibility. He has urged the state governments to reconsider their decision and join hands with the central government to ensure universal healthcare coverage for all citizens.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is eligible for AB-PMJAY?
Families identified as EWS and BPL through the SECC 2011 data.
2. What is the coverage limit under AB-PMJAY?
Up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
3. Why did Delhi and West Bengal refuse to implement AB-PMJAY?
Concerns over bearing 40% of the costs.
4. How many states have implemented AB-PMJAY?
35 states and union territories.
5. What are the future plans for Ayushman Bharat?
To expand coverage to include more medical services and increase the number of empaneled hospitals.
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