Question

speech on ayushman Bharat of about 150 words

Answer 1

 

Introduction

The Government announced two major initiatives in health sector, as part of Ayushman Bharat programme. They are Health and Wellness Centre andNational Health Protection Scheme. In the Budget 2018-19 the Finance Minister said that this was aimed at making path breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems, covering both prevention and health promotion. 

 Background

Funding for healthcare has been a major concern in the country. After decades of independence we still lag behind in addressing healthcare delivery across the length and breadth of the country.

Under the existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), poor families get an annual coverage of ₹30,000. RSBY will be subsumed under National Health Protection Scheme. Several State governments have implemented or supplemented health protection schemes that provide varying coverage. Ayushman Bharat programme builds on these schemes.

Health and Wellness Centre

The National Health Policy, 2017 has envisioned Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of India’s health system. Under this 1.5 lakh centres will bring health care system closer to the homes of people.

These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. These centres will also provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services. The Budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme. Contribution of private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged.

National Health Protection Scheme

National Health Protection Scheme will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage upto 5 lakh rupees per family per yearfor secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This will be the world’s largest government funded health care programme. Adequate funds will be provided for smooth implementation of this programme.