World Cancer Day: Ayushman Bharat Yojana as a Catalyst in Cancer Treatment for Patients in Mumbai
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Synopsis
World Cancer Day highlights the crucial role of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018 by the Central government, in transforming cancer treatment for patients in Mumbai, as evidenced by testimonials from affected families benefiting from the initiative.
Key Takeaways
- World Cancer Day aims to enhance awareness and preventive measures against cancer.
- The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides significant support for cancer treatment.
- It covers 10 crore households across India.
- Beneficiaries receive up to Rs 5 lakh annually for treatment.
- Support extends to secondary and tertiary health care.
Mumbai, Feb 4 (NationPress) World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to enhance awareness regarding cancer, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme, initiated by the Narendra Modi-led Central government in 2018, is becoming a vital initiative in combating this illness.
The main objective of World Cancer Day is to foster awareness about cancer and promote its prevention, timely detection, and treatment, aiming to decrease the number of fatalities caused by this disease both nationally and globally.
Islam Ali, a resident of Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh, shared with IANS: "My wife, Afsari Begum, has been receiving cancer treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at Tata Hospital in Mumbai for the past six to seven months. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and her medical expenses are being covered with the help of an Ayushman Card."
He further stated, "Thanks to the Ayushman Card, we are getting substantial assistance for her medical treatment. Up to now, my wife has completed five chemotherapy sessions, all of which have been financed through the Ayushman Card."
Mahesh Chaurasia from Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, told IANS: "My wife, Poonam Chaurasia, has been treated at Tata Hospital in Mumbai for the past year through the Ayushman Card, which is offering significant health benefits to our family. My wife is battling breast cancer. As the sole breadwinner in our family, I work in a private firm. Her Ayushman Card has been issued, and doctors affirm that our family will reap the advantages of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana."
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a nationwide public health insurance initiative launched by the Indian government on September 23, 2018. Its primary aim is to offer free health insurance coverage to low-income individuals across the nation, benefiting the lower 50% of the population. The scheme was subsequently expanded to encompass all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their economic status.
Participants in the program can receive primary care services from a family doctor, and for those requiring further assistance, PM-JAY delivers complimentary secondary health care for specialized treatments and tertiary health care for hospitalization needs.
Initiated in 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, AB PM-JAY was extended to the Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh by December 26, 2020.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme extends health coverage to 10 crore households or 50 crore individuals, providing a coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually for medical treatment in recognized public and private hospitals.
