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Introduction
In recent news, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare presented data in Parliament revealing that beneficiaries aged 70 years and above accounted for over 12% of all admissions under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. This significant statistic underscores the scheme's impact on elderly healthcare in India. Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensure that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
For more detailed information: Govt spent 14% funds under Ayushman on those over 70 yrs: What does this mean for full cover to the elderly?
About Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Ayushman Bharat, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, was launched in 2018 as part of the National Health Policy 2017. Its primary objective is to achieve the vision of UHC. The scheme comprises two main components: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
PM-JAY provides health insurance cover of ₹5 lakhs per year to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. It aims to cover secondary and tertiary healthcare services, thereby reducing the financial burden on these families.
Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
Announced in February 2018, HWCs aim to transform existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres into 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres. These centres focus on providing comprehensive primary healthcare, including free essential medicines, diagnostic services, teleconsultation, and health promotion activities like yoga. They also offer annual screenings for individuals aged 30 and above for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and the three most common cancers in India—oral, breast, and cervical.
Progress and Achievements
Since its inception, Ayushman Bharat has achieved several milestones:
30 Crore Ayushman Cards: The scheme crossed this milestone in January 2024.
State-wise Distribution: Uttar Pradesh leads with 4.83 crore Ayushman Cards, followed by Madhya Pradesh (3.78 crore) and Maharashtra (2.39 crore).
Gender Equity: 48% of the treatment provided under the scheme has been availed by females, reflecting the scheme's commitment to gender equity.
Hospital Admissions: Ayushman Bharat has facilitated 6.2 crore hospital admissions worth over ₹79,000 crores.
Current News Summary
The data presented in Parliament highlighted that senior citizens aged 70 years and above accounted for over 12% of all admissions and nearly 14% of the total expenditure under the scheme till January 2024. Out of the 6.2 crore approved hospital admissions, 57.5 lakh were for senior citizens, with treatment costs amounting to more than ₹9,800 crores. The government's plan to expand Ayushman Bharat to include all individuals over 70, irrespective of their economic status, is set to add nearly 4 crore new beneficiaries. Health economist Dr. Indranil Mukhopadhyay pointed out that expanding coverage to older people of means would likely increase the policy's utilisation and costs.
Challenges and Recommendations for Public Health Systems in India
Challenges
Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many health facilities lack adequate infrastructure, medical equipment, and trained personnel.
Financial Constraints: Insufficient funding and financial mismanagement hamper the efficient delivery of healthcare services.
Accessibility Issues: Rural and remote areas often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services.
Disease Burden: The dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases strains the healthcare system.
Quality of Care: There are significant disparities in the quality of care provided across different regions and healthcare facilities.
Recommendations
Infrastructure Improvement: Invest in upgrading healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas.
Enhanced Funding: Increase public health funding and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
Training and Capacity Building: Focus on training healthcare professionals and staff to improve service delivery.
Technology Integration: Utilise telemedicine and digital health platforms to bridge the accessibility gap.
Preventive Healthcare: Emphasise preventive healthcare measures and health promotion activities to reduce the disease burden.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat scheme has made significant strides in improving healthcare access and affordability for India's elderly population. As the country continues to grapple with an ageing population, it is crucial to address the challenges within the public health system and implement measures to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services. With sustained efforts and strategic interventions, Ayushman Bharat can pave the way for a healthier and more inclusive India.