A Landmark Move for Delhi’s Healthcare
The Delhi government is set to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), marking a significant shift in the state’s healthcare policy. On March 18, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the National Health Authority (NHA) to officially roll out the scheme. With this decision, Delhi becomes the 35th state or Union Territory to adopt the initiative, leaving West Bengal as the only holdout. The signing ceremony will be attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, and five families will receive their Ayushman Bharat cards, symbolizing the beginning of the scheme’s implementation in the national capital.
A Key Election Promise Fulfilled
The implementation of AB-PMJAY was a major election promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the recent Delhi Assembly elections. The previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had declined to adopt the scheme, instead opting for its own healthcare initiatives. However, following BJP’s decisive victory on February 5, which marked the party’s return to power in Delhi after 26 years, the new administration moved swiftly to fulfill its pledge of providing cashless healthcare benefits to millions of residents.
Understanding AB-PMJAY: The World’s Largest Health Insurance Scheme
AB-PMJAY is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance initiative, providing coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital care. The scheme benefits approximately 550 million people from 123.7 million economically weaker families, covering the bottom 40% of India’s population.
In a significant expansion of the scheme, the central government announced on October 29, 2024, that senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, would also receive free medical treatment under AB-PMJAY, ensuring broader healthcare access.
Eligibility and Benefits of the Scheme
The scheme is designed to cover a wide range of beneficiaries and medical treatments, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to those in need. Key aspects include:
Eligibility:
· Families classified as economically vulnerable based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
· Automatic inclusion of senior citizens above the age of 70.
Medical Coverage:
· Covers over 1,500 medical procedures, including major surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illness care, and orthopedic procedures like knee and hip replacements.
· Provides cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled hospitals across the country.
How Beneficiaries Can Avail the Scheme
To access the benefits of AB-PMJAY, eligible individuals can follow these steps:
· Check Eligibility and Apply: Beneficiaries can verify their eligibility and register through the Ayushman Bharat online portal or visit designated enrolment centers.
· Receive an E-Card: Once enrolled, each beneficiary receives an Ayushman Bharat e-card, which enables cashless treatment at network hospitals.
· Access Treatment: The scheme is accepted at thousands of empanelled hospitals, including both government and private healthcare institutions.
A New Era in Delhi’s Healthcare Landscape
The implementation of AB-PMJAY in Delhi marks a significant milestone in ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for millions. By integrating the national health insurance scheme, the BJP-led government aims to strengthen medical infrastructure and provide financial relief to economically weaker families. As the scheme takes effect, it will not only benefit Delhi’s residents but also set a precedent for other states yet to adopt it. With a robust framework in place, the Ayushman Bharat initiative is poised to transform healthcare access across the country, making quality medical treatment a right rather than a privilege.
(With agency inputs)
