Critically evaluate the success of Ayushman Bharat and its contribution to healthcare accessibility and affordability in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Achievements of Ayushman Bharat
 

1. Healthcare Accessibility:
    

   • Provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually, benefiting 10 crore economically weaker families through coverage.
   • Establishment of 1.49 lakh Health and Wellness Centers has enhanced access to primary care services, especially in rural areas.
      

2. Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE):
    

   • Offers financial protection to poor households, reducing catastrophic health expenditure and medical impoverishment.
      

3. Focus on Preventive Care:
    

   • Health and Wellness Centers emphasize preventive healthcare, leading to early detection and reduced disease burden.
      

Contribution to Affordability
 

1. Free Treatment for Major Illnesses:
    

   • Covers critical treatments such as cancer, cardiovascular surgeries, and kidney transplants, reducing overall treatment costs.
      

2. Support for Vulnerable Groups:
    

   • Special focus on women, children, and elderly populations ensures inclusive healthcare.
      

Limitations
 

1. Limited Awareness:
    

   • Many eligible families remain unaware of their entitlements under the scheme.
     
      

2. Infrastructure Gaps:
    

   • Lack of adequate tertiary care facilities, particularly in rural areas, hinders effective implementation.
     
      

3. Low Hospital Empanelment:
    

   • Private hospital participation remains limited due to delayed reimbursements and capped treatment costs.
      

Way Forward
 

1. Strengthen Awareness Campaigns:
    

   • Focus on reaching remote populations to ensure full utilization of the scheme.
      

2. Expand Hospital Network:
    

   • Enhance private hospital empanelment in underserved areas.
      

3. Regular Monitoring and Evaluation:
    

   • Improve accountability and efficiency by integrating real-time data tracking systems.
      

Ayushman Bharat has significantly improved healthcare accessibility and affordability, but challenges such as awareness and infrastructure need to be addressed to maximize its impact.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

Q1: What is Ayushman Bharat Scheme? / आयुष्मान भारत योजना क्या है?

A1: It is a government health insurance scheme that provides free medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually.
 

Q2: What diseases are covered under Ayushman Bharat? / आयुष्मान भारत के तहत कौन-कौन सी बीमारियाँ कवर की जाती हैं?

A2: It covers critical illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and kidney transplants, among others.
 

Q3: Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat benefits? / इस योजना से कौन लाभान्वित हो सकता है?

A3: Over 10 crore economically weaker families are eligible for this scheme. 
 

Q4: How can one avail the benefits of Ayushman Bharat? / आयुष्मान भारत योजना का लाभ कैसे उठाया जा सकता है?

A4: Eligible beneficiaries can check their status on the PMJAY portal or confirm their eligibility at empaneled hospitals.
 

Q5: What are the major challenges of Ayushman Bharat? / इस योजना की प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं?

A5: Limited awareness, lack of infrastructure, and low private hospital participation are key challenges. 
 

Q6: How can Ayushman Bharat be made more effective? / योजना को और अधिक प्रभावी कैसे बनाया जा सकता है?

A6: Increasing awareness campaigns, expanding hospital networks, and improving monitoring systems can enhance its effectiveness.