The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has completed 5 successful years, benefiting around 10 crore people across the country.
This scheme, which offers free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, has been a lifeline for the poor. To further enhance its reach and effectiveness, the government is planning significant changes.
Proposed Enhancements and New Inclusions
The Union Health Ministry, aiming for continuous improvement, formed a committee led by Dr. Vinod Paul, a member of NITI Aayog (Health).
This committee is set to submit its recommendations to the Health Ministry, which will serve as the foundation for the upcoming changes.
Key proposed changes include:
Expansion of Hospital Network
More hospitals, including those in smaller cities, will be included to provide quicker and more accessible treatment options.
Improvement in Package System
The current free treatment cap of Rs 5 lakh may be increased to between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
New Payment System
A new system for hospital bill payments will be developed to streamline and ease the billing process.
Focus on Elderly Care
One of the most significant proposed changes is the inclusion of all individuals above the age of 70, regardless of their income.
This shift aims to provide free treatment facilities to the elderly, extending the scheme’s benefits beyond income-based criteria to include middle-class seniors as well.
These anticipated changes reflect the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and ensuring that the Ayushman Bharat scheme continues to serve a broader spectrum of the population effectively.
