Government Initiatives Slash Healthcare Costs

The Indian government has made significant strides in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, with the National Health Accounts (NHA) reporting a drop from 62.6% in 2014-15 to 39.4% in 2021-22. This decline is attributed to increased government health expenditure, which rose from 29% to 48% during the same period. Various national schemes have been implemented to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability, particularly for rural populations.

National Health Mission: A Step Towards Universal Coverage

The National Health Mission (NHM) plays a pivotal role in advancing universal health coverage across India. By collaborating with state governments, the NHM aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to all citizens. The initiative focuses on improving health infrastructure and ensuring that adequate human resources are available to operate health facilities effectively. This is particularly crucial for underserved and marginalized communities in rural areas.

To further alleviate financial burdens, the NHM has introduced the National Free Drugs Service and Free Diagnostic Service. These programs ensure that essential medications and diagnostic services are available at no cost to patients visiting public health facilities. By reducing out-of-pocket expenditures, the NHM is making healthcare more accessible to those who need it most.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Expanding Primary Healthcare Access

In a bid to enhance primary healthcare services, the government has established 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) across rural and urban areas. These facilities have transformed existing Sub-Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to provide a comprehensive range of services. AAMs offer preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care, addressing various health issues including reproductive and child health, communicable diseases, and non-communicable diseases.

The AAMs are designed to deliver universal healthcare that is free and easily accessible to local communities. By bringing essential health services closer to the population, the initiative aims to improve overall health outcomes and reduce reliance on costly private healthcare options.

Comprehensive Health Coverage Through Ayushman Bharat Schemes

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is another significant initiative aimed at providing health coverage of ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This scheme targets approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, representing the economically vulnerable segment of India’s population. Recently, the program was expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above, ensuring that they receive necessary healthcare regardless of their socio-economic status.

Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to bolster healthcare systems at all levels. With a total outlay of ₹64,180 crore, this mission focuses on enhancing the capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions to better address emerging health challenges.

Affordable Medicines Initiative: Ensuring Accessibility

To further support healthcare affordability, the government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which provides quality generic medicines at lower prices. This initiative, in collaboration with state governments, aims to make essential medications accessible to all citizens. Additionally, AMRIT Pharmacy stores have been established in various hospitals and institutions to offer affordable medicines and reliable implants for treatment. These comprehensive measures reflect the government’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs and improving access to quality services for all citizens. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, highlighted these initiatives in a recent statement to the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery across the nation.

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