Ayushman Bharat PMJAY for COVID-19

The government has announced that the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY will be eligible for free treatment for the symptoms of COVID-19.

Ayushman Bharat PMJAY

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a component of the umbrella health scheme (Ayushman Bharat). It was launched in 2018 as the largest health insurance scheme in world to be funded by a government. It was earlier known as the National Health Protection Mission. It covers the expenses for secondary and many tertiary health care services.

Provisions for COVID-19

The government announced that the beneficiaries of the PMJAY could avail free treatment for COVID-19 symptoms at government hospitals. Free treatment is to be provided under different packages like Acute Febrile Illness, Pneumonia, Severe Pneumonia, Pyrexia of unknown origin, Respiratory failure due to any cause (like pneumonia, asthma, COPD, ARDS, foreign body, poisoning and head injury), etc.

Conditions for Testing

Currently, people who fulfil the following conditions are tested:

• Presenting symptoms like fever, cough or breathing difficulties along with at least one of the following conditions.
• Travelled internationally in recent times.
• Were in contact with a lab confirmed case of COVID-19.
• Healthcare workers involved in management of respiratory illnesses.

Procedure for Availing Free Treatment

In order to avail free treatment for COVID-19, the following procedure is to be followed:

• Apply under Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
• Register with the PMJAY official website.
• Log onto the government website and enter mobile number in the home page to generate an OTP.
• After verification using the OTP, enter details to avail the benefits.