Everything you need to know about Ayushman Bharat Diwas

We spend hours planning our finances and saving for a rainy day. Most of us put money away for a future emergency. Unfortunately, several Indians who live hand-to-mouth do not have a financial cushion to fall back on. They often struggle to get necessary medical treatment since they cannot afford it. The Indian government launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in 2018 to address the issue. The scheme helps cover medical costs up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year, helping them access healthcare facilities without worrying about the cost. The government decided to celebrate 30th April every year as Ayushman Bharat Diwas to promote awareness about the scheme.

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a national health insurance scheme launched by the Indian government on 23rd September 2018. It aims to provide affordable healthcare for all Indians, especially the poor and vulnerable. The initiative focuses on universal access to quality healthcare services through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana aims to provide free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lahks annually per family through its network of empanelled healthcare centres. It helps cover the cost of diagnostic services and medicines at secondary and tertiary-level hospitals across India. The government allocated Rs. 2,000 crores for this purpose in the 2019-20 budget. The allocation increased to Rs. 7,200 crores in the 2023 budget.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas, observed on 30th April, celebrates the government’s flagship healthcare scheme. It is an occasion to acknowledge the efforts of the government and the healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to help the Ayushman Bharat Yojana succeed. Various events and activities are organised across India on the day to spread awareness about the scheme and its benefits.

By introducing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the government aims to provide people with the following benefits:

With Ayushman Bharat, Indians can get affordable treatment at empanelled hospitals and clinics. Eligible individuals will not need health insurance or have to pay for emergency care at these centres.

The government has partnered with leading hospitals and clinics across India to offer affordable, high-quality treatments. People who qualify for the scheme can now access quality healthcare without worrying about the cost.

The scheme covers all pre-existing conditions from the very first day. The coverage extends to over 1,300 procedures, ensuring Indian residents do not struggle to get the required medical care.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, individuals can enjoy cashless hospitalisations. The central government covers the cost of the treatment.

The benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana are available across the country. Individuals can visit any empanelled facility across India to receive medical treatment.

Under the scheme, patients do not have to pay premiums or co-payments. While they may have to pay some fees for treatment, their overall out-of-pocket expenses drop drastically.

Only Indian residents who have stayed in the country for 15 years can enjoy the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. To enrol for the scheme, residents must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Below the poverty line (BPL)
2. Below the upper-middle class in rural areas
3. Below the lower-middle class in urban areas

A study from 2021 helps us understand the impact of the scheme. The study surveyed 300 households in Tamil Nadu’s Mappedu region. It found that 42.33% of the households were eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Of these households, 47% availed of health services through the scheme during the previous year. Only 10% of these families had to pay for additional healthcare expenses. Sadly, 40% of the families who did not fall under the purview of the scheme faced financial hardships due to healthcare expenses[1]. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has significantly reduced the financial burden of high medical costs for India’s most vulnerable. As of January 2023, the government has verified 21.9 crore beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana[2].

Ayushman Bharat Diwas celebrates the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to all citizens. The day also helps the government raise awareness about the scheme to ensure every eligible individual can benefit from it. If you are not eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, don’t worry. You can purchase a health insurance policy to get medical treatment without worrying about the cost. Purchasing a policy when you’re young and healthy helps you get high coverage at a pocket-friendly premium. You can also subscribe to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) to create a single repository of all your health-related information. You only need your Aadhaar number to register for the account and download the ABHA card. With it, you can quickly provide doctors with your medical history, regardless of where you’re getting treated. Visit the Zuno website today to find a health plan that protects you and your family, and subscribe for an Ayushman Bharat Health Account.

Zuno/Blog/0423/09