Context

Expanding the Central government's flagship health scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024 announced that the scheme will now extend benefits to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): World's Largest Health Initiative

• Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a flagship healthcare initiative of the Government of India.
• Objective: To provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to the economically weaker sections of the society.

Main Objectives:

• Universal Health Coverage: PM-JAY aims to provide health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries).
• Cashless Treatment: PM-JAY beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at accredited government and private hospitals across the country.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of secondary and tertiary care procedures, including surgeries, medical tests, and hospital expenses.
• Family-Based Coverage: Coverage is provided on a family basis, ensuring that all family members are protected.
• Easy Access: Beneficiaries can easily check their eligibility and locate accredited hospitals through the PM-JAY portal or mobile app.

Eligibility:

• Households are identified as eligible for PM-JAY based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data of 2011.
• SECC data is used to identify poor and vulnerable households in both rural and urban areas.

PM-JAY’ Advantages:

• Financial protection: PM-JAY protects families from the financial burden of devastating healthcare expenses.
• Improved access to healthcare: The scheme ensures that beneficiaries can access quality healthcare services without worrying about the cost.
• Reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure: PM-JAY significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, allowing families to save money for other needs.
• Empowerment of the poor: By providing access to quality healthcare, PM-JAY empowers the poor and vulnerable sections of the society.

Effects of PM-JAY:

• Increased healthcare utilisation: PM-JAY has significantly increased the utilisation of healthcare services, especially among the poor and the marginalised.
• Reduced mortality: The scheme has helped reduce mortality due to preventable diseases and injuries.
• Improved health outcomes: PM-JAY has contributed to improved health outcomes for millions of beneficiaries.
• Economic empowerment: By reducing the financial burden of healthcare, PM-JAY has empowered families to invest in education, livelihoods and other development activities.