PM Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY): The Government of India has been implementing a variety of welfare schemes for the citizens of the country. Among these schemes, Ayushman Bharat Yojana stands out as one of the most significant initiatives to provide healthcare services to economically weaker sections, especially those living below the poverty line, particularly in rural areas.
In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which was launched by the Government of India to offer financial assistance for healthcare to the underprivileged sections of society. Under this scheme, citizens are entitled to free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually. We will also guide you on how to create an Ayushman Card and avail the benefits of this scheme.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana is one of the flagship healthcare schemes launched by the Government of India to provide medical insurance coverage to economically disadvantaged families. The scheme aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, which amounts to approximately 50 crore individuals.
The scheme provides a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. These benefits can be availed at government as well as private empaneled hospitals across the country. It aims to provide access to free and quality healthcare services, particularly for families living below the poverty line (BPL) or those belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS).
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched on September 25, 2018, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary. The scheme is a significant part of the government’s vision to provide universal healthcare services to the citizens of India.
The main objective of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is to provide financial protection to low-income families who often face the burden of high medical expenses. By offering free treatment and hospitalization, this scheme aims to ensure that citizens, especially those from economically backward communities, have access to quality healthcare services without the financial strain.
– Free Health Coverage: The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh in health coverage annually to eligible families.
– Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries do not need to pay for medical services at the time of treatment. The government bears all the treatment expenses under the scheme.
– Wide Network of Hospitals: The scheme includes a vast network of hospitals across India, including both government and private healthcare providers that are empaneled under the scheme.
– No Age or Gender Bar: The scheme covers people of all age groups, genders, and across all socioeconomic statuses, with a focus on providing for economically weaker sections.
– Secondary and Tertiary Care: The Ayushman Bharat Yojana covers both secondary care (such as surgeries) and tertiary care (such as cancer treatments, advanced surgeries, etc.).
– Cashless & Paperless: Beneficiaries can access cashless and paperless treatment at empaneled hospitals through their Ayushman Bharat cards.
The process of availing treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana is simple and streamlined. Here’s how beneficiaries can access free treatment:
1. Visit Empaneled Hospitals: Eligible citizens can visit any government or private hospital that is empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. These hospitals are listed on the official Ayushman Bharat portal.
2. Present the Ayushman Bharat Card: Beneficiaries can show their Ayushman Bharat Card to avail treatment. This card contains all the necessary details and ensures that the person is eligible for the benefits.
3. Treatment Up to ₹5 Lakh: The scheme covers treatment costs up to ₹5 lakh for eligible beneficiaries. This includes hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and even some advanced treatments.
4. No Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, beneficiaries do not need to pay for their treatments at the time of hospitalization. All expenses, including doctor fees, room charges, surgery costs, and medications, are covered.
5. No Waiting Period: Beneficiaries can avail themselves of the scheme as soon as they are enrolled. There is no waiting period to get treatment under the scheme.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is specifically designed for families living below the poverty line (BPL) and those belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS). However, there are several eligibility criteria to qualify for the scheme:
1. BPL Families: Families whose annual income is below the poverty line as per the government’s classification are eligible for the scheme.
2. Rural and Urban Poor: The scheme targets both rural and urban populations who have limited access to healthcare services due to financial constraints.
3. Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Beneficiaries can avail of treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.
4. No Gender or Age Bar: The scheme is inclusive of people from all age groups and genders.
To avail of the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, eligible families need to create an Ayushman Bharat Card, which acts as proof of registration for the scheme. Here is how you can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card:
You can also visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) to apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card. CSCs are authorized centers where citizens can get assistance for various government services, including Ayushman Bharat registration.
Primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and Jan Arogya Yojana Centers also offer services for Ayushman Bharat Card registration. You can visit your local health center to get your card.
The Ayushman Bharat helpline number is available for citizens to inquire about their eligibility and help with the registration process.
The eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana is primarily based on the socio-economic status of the family. The government has prepared a list of eligible families through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC). Families that are included in this list are automatically eligible for the scheme.
– Families without any adult member between the ages of 16 and 59 years.
– Families with an elderly person who is the only earning member.
– Families with members who are physically disabled or have a chronic medical condition.
You can check the eligibility list on the official PMJAY website by entering your state, district, and other details.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers a wide range of benefits to its beneficiaries, ensuring that citizens get access to affordable healthcare. Some of the key benefits include:
– 5 Lakh Coverage: Each family is covered up to ₹5 lakh for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
– No Pre-existing Disease Clauses: There is no restriction on pre-existing diseases. Treatment can be availed for any pre-existing condition.
– Free Treatment for Families: Even if you don’t have any insurance, this scheme covers your entire family’s health expenses.
– Financial Protection: Ayushman Bharat provides significant financial protection to vulnerable families, preventing them from the burden of high medical bills.
– Comprehensive Healthcare: The scheme covers a wide range of treatments, from basic to advanced surgeries, diagnostic tests, and even cancer treatments.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a transformative initiative that aims to ensure that no citizen is left behind when it comes to healthcare. With its vision to provide comprehensive healthcare to economically weaker sections, the scheme has become a lifeline for millions of families across India.
By offering up to ₹5 lakh of free healthcare benefits, it helps citizens receive quality medical treatment without worrying about their finances. If you or your family members fall under the eligible category, do not hesitate to apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card and avail yourself of this incredible benefit.
For more information on the scheme and the application process, you can visit the official PMJAY website or visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC). Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to secure better health for you and your family.
By Levitate Solutions
