Ayushman Bharat Yojana Scheme
Ayushman Bharat
A Flagship Scheme of the Government of India
Overview
Ayushman Bharat, launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It's designed to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its commitment to "leave no one behind."
This initiative shifts from segmented health service delivery to a comprehensive, need-based healthcare system, covering prevention, promotion, and ambulatory care at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
It comprises two components:
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
1,50,000 HWCs are being created by transforming existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).
They cover maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services.
Key Focus: Health promotion and prevention to empower communities to make healthy choices.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Launched on 23rd September 2018, PM-JAY is the world's largest health assurance scheme, providing a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year.
It targets over 12 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) based on SECC 2011 data.
Key Features:
- Rs. 5 lakhs cover for secondary and tertiary care.
- Cashless access at empanelled hospitals.
- Covers pre-existing conditions from day one.
- Portable benefits across India.
Benefit Cover Under PM-JAY
PM-JAY provides cashless cover up to INR 5,00,000 per family per annum for listed conditions.
- Medical examination, treatment, and consultation.
- Pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization (up to 15 days).
- Medicine, consumables, diagnostics, and laboratory investigations.
- Accommodation and food services.
- Complications arising during treatment.
No cap on family size or age. Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.