Ayushman Bharat Scheme: A Blessing for a Cancer-Affected Family in Vadodara
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Vadodara, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Soni family from Gujarat's Vadodara, who have been grappling with a serious cancer diagnosis, are full of appreciation for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) initiated by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The medical support they've received under this scheme has proven to be a 'lifesaver' for them.
In an interview with IANS, they described the scheme as a godsend for underprivileged families and commended the government for making costly treatments both accessible and affordable.
Naresh Soni, who operates a xerox business in Vadodara, was diagnosed with blood cancer last year. After consulting various private hospitals and witnessing exorbitant costs, he chose to receive treatment at a civic hospital in Vadodara.
Despite the shock of his sudden illness, he and his family are incredibly grateful for the Ayushman Bharat scheme and its extensive benefits. They are utilizing the scheme to cover all their medical expenses.
"The Ayushman card has acted as a lifeline for us since September of last year. I am receiving treatment using the Ayushman card, and we haven't had to pay a single rupee. The entire treatment is covered by the Ayushman card," he stated.
He mentioned that private hospitals had quoted an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh for his treatment, whereas at the civil hospital, he has had no out-of-pocket expenses.
"I have completed two cycles of chemotherapy, and the third cycle is scheduled in the coming days. I also need a bone marrow transplant soon," he revealed.
"Ayushman Bharat has been a life-saver for me. For working-class individuals like us, who cannot afford such exorbitant medical costs, this scheme has proven indispensable. We are extremely thankful to the Prime Minister for facilitating our access to free treatment through this scheme," he added.
Heenaben Soni, his wife, shared with IANS that they have been married for 25 years.
"When we received the news, we were heartbroken. He has always been active and healthy, but this illness has dramatically changed our lives," she lamented.
"The Ayushman Bharat scheme has emerged as a beacon of hope for us. It has significantly alleviated our medical expenses," she commented.
She noted that they are receiving excellent care at the civil hospital without incurring any costs, although they have been informed that they will need to share half of the expenses for the bone marrow transplant.
"This scheme resembles a godsend for numerous families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. While we can manage some expenses, many poorer families cannot even dream of such treatments. Under this scheme, they receive equal care at the hospital without discrimination," she further emphasized.
