The Government of India has approved the merger of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme with the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
This decision was made to improve healthcare access for beneficiaries across the country.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Labor on Friday, it was confirmed that the Medical Benefit Council of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) had agreed to integrate the two schemes.
This merger will enhance healthcare services for those covered under the ESI scheme.
The decision was made during the 86th meeting of the Medical Benefit Council, chaired by ESIC Director General Ashok Kumar Singh.
Largest Health Insurance Scheme in the World
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is known as the world’s largest health insurance program.
It provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to over 12 crore poor families, covering approximately 55 crore beneficiaries.
Along with approving the merger, the Council also gave the go-ahead to implement the Common Assistance Mission (CSM) in various states to strengthen the delivery of medical services under the ESI scheme.
Awareness and Health Check-up Camps
The Council also approved plans to hold annual preventive health check-ups and awareness camps. These camps will focus on the early diagnosis of lifestyle-related health issues
and the detection of nutritional deficiencies. Special attention will be given to insured persons, including women and transgenders, ensuring they receive proper healthcare support.
The aim is to improve the overall health service system under the ESI scheme with a person-centric approach.
