Ayushman Bharat: 50 Crore poor eligible for testing and treatment

On April 5, 2020, Union Health Minister Harsha Vardhan announced that over 50 crore vulnerable and poor citizens are eligible under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat).

Highlights

Under Ayushman Bharat, the testing for the poor and vulnerable, (that is the citizens eligible to claim benefits under the scheme) has been made free. The testing of COVID-19 in public facilities are already free. The hospitals empaneled under the scheme shall tie up with an authorized testing facility to test for COVID-19.

The tests are to be carried out according to the norms of ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research).

About Ayushman Bharat

The Scheme is currently being implemented by National Health Authority. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries are provided with Rs 5 lakhs (per family). The beneficiaries are identified from the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census). After, identification the beneficiaries are considered as insured. The insurance amount when in need are shared between the centre and the state in the ratio 60:40.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020