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Nasir Ali
Srinagar: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) and its recent extension, the AB PM JAY SEHAT, stand as ambitious healthcare initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive coverage to millions of vulnerable citizens across India. With the persistent challenges in healthcare accessibility and affordability, the need for saturating these schemes becomes paramount.
Saturation of AB PMJAY & AB PM JAY SEHAT ensures that every eligible citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare services. By extending coverage to the last mile, these schemes bridge the gap between healthcare services and the marginalized sections of society. This universal access not only enhances health outcomes but also fosters social inclusion and equity.
One of the primary benefits of these schemes is the financial protection they offer to beneficiaries. Healthcare expenses often push families into poverty, especially in low-income households. AB PMJAY & AB PM JAY SEHAT provide a safety net by covering medical expenses up to a certain limit, shielding families from catastrophic healthcare expenditures. Saturation ensures that no one is left vulnerable to financial ruin due to medical emergencies.
Saturation of AB PMJAY & AB PM JAY SEHAT expands the scope of coverage, encompassing a wide range of medical treatments and procedures. From primary care services to tertiary treatments, beneficiaries have access to a comprehensive package of healthcare services. This not only addresses immediate health needs but also promotes preventive care and early intervention, reducing the burden of disease in the long run.
Rural areas often face significant healthcare disparities, with limited access to medical facilities and trained professionals. Saturation of these schemes strengthens the rural healthcare infrastructure by incentivizing the participation of healthcare providers. Through empanelment and accreditation, more hospitals and clinics in rural areas become part of the network, ensuring that even remote populations receive timely and quality healthcare services.
Saturation efforts go hand in hand with robust awareness campaigns, educating citizens about their entitlements and how to avail themselves of healthcare services. By empowering people with knowledge, these schemes encourage proactive health-seeking behavior, leading to early diagnosis and better management of health conditions. This preventive approach not only improves individual health outcomes but also alleviates the burden on the healthcare system.
Meanwhile, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has taken serious note of the failure of completing saturation of AB PMJAY and AB PM JAY SEHAT schemes and directed all Chief Medical Officers to complete the process by March 15 this year.
As per a circular issued to ‘Asia Speaks’ by the Director Health Services Kashmir, failure to achieve full saturation will result in strict action under relevant regulations.
“The UT Government of J&K is implementing AB PM-JAY & AB PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme since 1st December, 2018 & 20th December, 2020, respectively. Additionally has launched Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the Union Territory aiming to provide financial protection and access to medical services for eligible beneficiaries,” reads the circular.
“To achieve complete registration (100% Saturation) in all the districts of Kashmir, the Chief Medical Officers have been repeatedly asked to organize registration camps for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries across the valley. Despite repeated instructions, and concerns have arisen due to a lack of substantial effort from some districts in achieving 100% Saturation. The Government takes this issue seriously and emphasizes the importance of Ayushman Card creation,” it further added.
“Furthermore, the Government of India launched the “Ayushman Bhava” and “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” campaigns to ensure optimal delivery of state-run health schemes, including those in remote areas, and achieve saturation for all eligible beneficiaries. Unfortunately, some districts have not utilized these Campaigns effectively to saturate registrations under AB PM-JAY and AB PM-JAY SEHAT.” It added.
“In the backdrop of above, all the Chief Medical Officers are time & again impressed upon to ensure complete coverage for all eligible beneficiaries under AB PMJAY and AB PMJAY scheme by March 15th, 2024. Failure to achieve full saturation will result in strict action under relevant regulations and the same shall be reflected in the performance of Officers,” the circular reads.
In conclusion, the saturation of AB PMJAY & AB PM JAY SEHAT is imperative for realizing the vision of universal healthcare and ensuring health for all. By expanding coverage, providing financial protection, and promoting preventive care, these schemes offer a lifeline to millions of vulnerable citizens across India. Through concerted efforts in awareness, governance, and infrastructure development, these initiatives have the potential to transform the healthcare landscape, fostering a healthier, more prosperous society.
