Expansion of Ayushman Bharat for Senior Citizens
On October 29, 2024, the Government of India announced a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This initiative now offers free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This expansion is inclusive of all socio-economic backgrounds, including tribal communities. The move aims to enhance healthcare access for the elderly, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their access to essential medical services.
Comprehensive Health Benefit Package
The National Health Authority (NHA) has developed a comprehensive Health Benefit Package (HBP) as part of the AB-PMJAY initiative. This package includes cashless healthcare services for 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties. These specialties encompass vital areas such as General Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Cardiology, and Oncology.
Eligible senior citizens can access a wide range of treatments, including Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, and procedures for Acute Ischemic Stroke. Other significant treatments available include Total Hip Replacement, Total Knee Replacement, and various cardiac procedures like PTCA and permanent pacemaker implantation. The flexibility granted to states allows them to customize the Health Benefit Packages to better suit local healthcare needs. This adaptability ensures that the program remains relevant and effective in addressing the unique health challenges faced by different communities.
Access to Healthcare Facilities
Under the AB-PMJAY scheme, beneficiaries holding Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards can avail themselves of the program’s benefits through a vast network of hospitals. This network includes over 30,072 hospitals, with 13,352 being private institutions. This extensive reach ensures that senior citizens have access to quality healthcare services across the country.
The initiative aims to eliminate barriers to healthcare access for the elderly. By providing a robust network of hospitals, the government is making it easier for senior citizens to receive timely medical attention. This is particularly crucial for those living in rural or underserved areas, where healthcare facilities may be limited. The program’s design reflects a commitment to improving health outcomes for the elderly population, ensuring they receive the care they need without financial strain.
Raising Awareness and Outreach Efforts
To ensure that senior citizens are aware of the expanded benefits under AB-PMJAY, the government has implemented a comprehensive media and outreach strategy. This strategy includes advertisements across traditional media platforms such as newspapers and community radio. Additionally, innovative approaches like street plays, digital displays, and radio campaigns are being utilized to reach a broader audience.
State Health Agencies are actively engaging frontline workers, including ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), AWWs (Anganwadi Workers), and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). These workers play a crucial role in raising awareness at the grassroots level. They help inform eligible beneficiaries about their rights and entitlements under the scheme. Furthermore, beneficiaries can easily access assistance through a dedicated helpline. A missed call to 1800-110-770 or a call to the 24×7 call center at 14555 provides immediate support for any queries or concerns.
The government has also directed states to undertake extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. These efforts aim to enhance awareness about the expansion of AB-PMJAY, ensuring that all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are informed about the benefits available to them.
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