Mumbai Doctor Highlights Ayushman Bharat's Role in Healthcare Accessibility on World Cancer Day
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Synopsis
On World Cancer Day, the Ayushman Bharat scheme's significant impact on healthcare access for the underprivileged is highlighted by Mumbai doctor Dr. Balkrishna Patade, emphasizing its role in providing financial relief for treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Ayushman Bharat enhances healthcare access for the economically disadvantaged.
- Financial aid of up to five lakh rupees is available for eligible patients.
- It facilitates direct access to tertiary care centers.
- The scheme covers 10 crore households in India.
- World Cancer Day promotes early cancer prevention and treatment.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) On World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4 to promote awareness about cancer, the remarkable influence of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is gaining attention.
Initiated by the Narendra Modi-led Central government in 2018, this scheme has transformed healthcare access for millions of economically disadvantaged individuals throughout India.
Dr. Balkrishna Patade, the Director of Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), as well as Co-Lead of Cellular Therapies at H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, highlighted the crucial role that Ayushman Bharat plays in catering to the healthcare requirements of vulnerable populations.
He stated, "The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, launched in 2018, has offered financial assistance of up to five lakh rupees for the economically weaker sections for healthcare. This has alleviated financial concerns for patients, substantially easing their access to secondary and tertiary care facilities. Now, these patients can directly approach tertiary care centers for treatment."
The main objective of World Cancer Day is to promote early prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer, while also striving to decrease the global incidence of cancer-related fatalities.
In India, the Ayushman Bharat scheme has emerged as a pivotal factor in the battle against this tragic disease, allowing numerous individuals to obtain timely treatment without the obstacle of exorbitant medical expenses.
Ayushman Bharat is a nationwide public health insurance initiative that delivers complimentary health insurance coverage to low-income citizens. Launched on September 23, 2018, the scheme encompasses the bottom 50 percent of India's populace, guaranteeing their access to medical services at both public and private empanelled hospitals. The coverage extends up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually.
Initially rolled out in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Ayushman Bharat has broadened its reach to cover the entire nation, including all senior citizens aged over 70, irrespective of their financial situation. By December 2020, the scheme was further expanded to the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. It offers coverage to 10 crore households, benefiting around 50 crore Indians.
Ayushman Bharat ensures that families nationwide can access top-notch healthcare, alleviating financial stress and enhancing health outcomes.
