Discover the monumental success of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, reaching 30 crore Ayushman cards. Learn about the Ayushman App, state-wise achievements, and the scheme’s commitment to gender equity. Uncover how the scheme has saved over Rs. 1.25 lakh crores in out-of-pocket expenditure.
In a significant achievement, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has marked a historic milestone by crossing 30 crore Ayushman cards on January 12, 2024. This flagship scheme, administered by the National Health Authority (NHA), aims to provide health coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 Crore beneficiary families.
Ayushman Card Creation Milestone
Efforts and Results
Ayushman card creation stands as a crucial aspect of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, and relentless efforts have ensured that every beneficiary under the scheme possesses an Ayushman card. The scheme has successfully reached the accomplishment of creating 30 crore Ayushman cards, with over 16.7 crore cards generated in the last two financial years alone. Notably, during the current fiscal year (2023-24), more than 7.5 crore Ayushman cards have been created, averaging approximately 181 cards every minute.
On-Spot Services and Campaigns
Ayushman card creation has been expedited through the on-spot services provided during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, launched on November 15, 2023. The campaign has notably facilitated the creation of more than 2.43 crore Ayushman cards. Additionally, the Ayushman Bhava campaign, launched on September 17, 2023, has contributed to the creation of over 5.6 crore Ayushman cards.
State-wise Distribution
Uttar Pradesh leads the states with the highest number of Ayushman cards, boasting 4.83 crore cards. Following closely are Madhya Pradesh with 3.78 crore and Maharashtra with 2.39 crore Ayushman cards. Eleven states have surpassed the 1 crore Ayushman card mark, emphasizing the widespread reach and impact of the scheme.
Ayushman App: A Key Enabler
To reach the last mile, the NHA has introduced the ‘Ayushman App’ for Ayushman card creation. The app, with a unique self-verification feature, allows users to create Ayushman cards in just four simple steps using an Android mobile phone. The application has witnessed tremendous success, with over 52 lakh downloads since its launch on September 13, 2023.
Gender Parity and Empowerment
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is committed to achieving gender parity, regional parity, and income parity in access to healthcare services. Currently, approximately 14.6 crore Ayushman cards have been created for females, constituting 49% of the total cards issued. Moreover, 48% of treatments provided under the scheme have been availed by females, highlighting the emphasis on gender equity in the scheme’s design.
Impact on Out-of-Pocket Expenditure
The scheme has not only achieved a remarkable milestone in card creation but has also successfully facilitated 6.2 crore hospital admissions, amounting to more than Rs. 79,157 crores. This has resulted in substantial savings of over Rs. 1.25 lakh crores in out-of-pocket expenditure for poor and deprived families.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a revolutionary healthcare scheme designed to assist the economically weaker sections of society. Launched on September 23, 2018, by the Prime Minister, this scheme provides health coverage to approximately fifty crore citizens in India. Let’s delve into the details of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, its eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Launch Date
- September 23, 2018
Coverage
- Rs. 5 lakh/year per family
Procedures Covered
- 1,400 procedures
Pre-hospitalisation Expenses Coverage
- Up to 3 days
Post-hospitalisation Expenses Coverage
- Up to 15 days
PMJAY Health Cover Categories: Eligibility Criteria for Rural and Urban
The PMJAY scheme targets ten crore families, encompassing eight crore families in rural areas and 2.33 crore families in urban areas, ultimately benefiting 50 crore individual beneficiaries. Eligibility is determined based on specific categories such as SC/ST, Lower Income Group, or EWS. To check eligibility, applicants can use the ‘Am I Eligible’ feature on the official website.
PMJAY Rural
- Targets those in scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households
- Includes beggars, families with no able-bodied adults, and others based on specific criteria
PMJAY Urban
- Aims to assist urban workers in various occupations, including watchmen, mechanics, domestic help, and more
- Excludes individuals with specific possessions like vehicles, landlines, and refrigerators
How to Check Ayushman Bharat Yojana Eligibility Online
To verify eligibility, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website.
- Access the “Am I Eligible” section.
- Enter your mobile number and captcha code.
- Generate and verify OTP.
- Provide essential information such as name, state, age, family members, and income details.
- Click “Submit.”
Affordable Insurance and Subscription Plans
Paying high premiums for insurance may not be feasible for everyone. Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers over 300 plans, including health, motor, life, and pocket-friendly subscription policies. For instance, a personal accident cover of up to Rs. 10 lakh starts from just Rs. 230.
Medical Packages and Hospitalisation Process in Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PMJAY)
PMJAY provides a Rs. 5 lakh insurance cover for medical and surgical treatments in various specialties. The scheme ensures cashless treatment and hospitalisation, facilitated by a cost-sharing agreement between the center and states. Health cards are issued to beneficiaries, allowing them to access services seamlessly.
PMJAY Illness Coverage: List of Critical Diseases
PMJAY covers over 1,350 medical packages, including critical diseases such as prostate cancer, coronary artery bypass grafting, and more. However, certain exclusions like OPD, drug rehabilitation, and cosmetic procedures apply.
Advantages of Health Insurance in India
The primary advantage of health insurance is the financial relief it provides during medical emergencies. PMJAY offers up to Rs. 5 lakh coverage, helping individuals avoid the risk of falling into a debt trap. Various health insurance plans cater to different needs, including affordable policies through Bajaj Finance.
Ayushman Bharat Registration: How to Apply
While there is no specific registration for PMJAY, beneficiaries are identified based on the SECC 2011 and RSBY scheme. Eligibility can be checked on the PMJAY portal or by contacting the Ayushman Bharat Yojana call center at 14555 or 1800-111-565.
PMJAY Patient Card Generation
Upon eligibility, beneficiaries can obtain an e-card at PMJAY kiosks. Verification involves Aadhaar or ration card, family identification proofs, and issuance of a unique AB-PMJAY ID for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I create an Ayushman card?
A: You can create an Ayushman card using the Ayushman App, available for download on Android mobile phones. The app features a unique self-verification process in four simple steps.
Q2: Which state has the highest number of Ayushman cards?
A: Uttar Pradesh leads with 4.83 crore Ayushman cards, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Q3: What is the significance of gender equity in Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
A: The scheme aims for gender parity, with 49% of Ayushman cards issued to female beneficiaries, emphasizing the core design principle of gender equity.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has not only achieved a monumental milestone with 30 crore Ayushman cards but has also made substantial contributions to gender equity, regional parity, and significant savings in healthcare expenditure. The Ayushman App and targeted campaigns have played pivotal roles in reaching diverse populations, ensuring the scheme’s impact is felt across the nation.
