Understanding Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and Its Impact

Overview of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a landmark health assurance scheme in India. It provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalizations. This initiative is recognized as the world’s largest publicly funded health scheme, aimed at transforming healthcare access across the nation.

Key Data Points

• Women Beneficiaries: Approximately 49% of the 28.45 crore Ayushman cards are held by women, who also account for 48% of total hospital admissions.
• Scheme Coverage: The scheme covers 55 crore individuals, equivalent to 12 crore families. Some States and Union Territories have extended this coverage further.
• Ayushman Cards Issued: As of December 2023, around 28.45 crore cards have been issued, with 9.38 crore created in 2023 alone.
• Hospital Admissions and Costs: The scheme has authorized 6.11 crore hospital admissions, totaling ₹78,188 crore in expenditure. In 2023, 1.7 crore admissions amounted to over ₹25,000 crore.
• Empanelled Hospitals: There are 26,901 hospitals participating in the scheme, including 11,813 private institutions.
• Health Screenings: Over 55.66 crore screenings for hypertension and 48.44 crore for diabetes have been conducted, along with screenings for oral cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.
• Yoga and Wellness Sessions: As of December 15, there have been 2.80 crore yoga and wellness sessions held in operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Impact and Importance

The AB PM-JAY scheme is pivotal in ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for a significant portion of the Indian population, particularly among underprivileged communities. Its extensive reach and comprehensive coverage reflect a major advancement in public health initiatives within India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?
Answer: The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a health assurance initiative providing ₹5 lakh annually per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalizations, aiming to enhance healthcare access in India.

Q2. How many Ayushman cards have been issued?
Answer: As of December 2023, approximately 28.45 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, with significant numbers created in 2023.

Q3. What types of health screenings are covered under the scheme?
Answer: The scheme has facilitated screenings for various health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.

Q4. How does the scheme benefit women?
Answer: Women hold about 49% of Ayushman cards and account for nearly half of all hospital admissions, highlighting their significant role in utilizing the scheme.

Q5. Why is the AB PM-JAY important for public health?
Answer: The AB PM-JAY scheme plays a crucial role in improving healthcare access, particularly for underprivileged populations, thus contributing to overall public health improvements in India.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the annual health cover provided by the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?
A) ₹2 lakh
B) ₹3 lakh
C) ₹5 lakh
D) ₹10 lakh
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: How many hospitals are empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?
A) 20,000
B) 25,000
C) 26,901
D) 30,000
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What percentage of hospital admissions under the scheme are accounted for by women?
A) 40%
B) 45%
C) 48%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: In what year were 9.38 crore Ayushman cards issued?
A) 2021
B) 2022
C) 2023
D) 2024
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: How many yoga and wellness sessions were conducted by December 15, 2023?
A) 1 crore
B) 2.80 crore
C) 5 crore
D) 10 crore
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a type of health screening under the scheme?
A) Hypertension
B) Diabetes
C) Heart disease
D) Breast cancer
Correct Answer: C