How is Bihar's Motihari Benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The PM-JAY provides Rs 5 lakh health cover per family annually.
- Thousands in Motihari are benefiting from free medical treatment.
- Patients can receive care in private hospitals without financial constraints.
- Real-life testimonials highlight the scheme's impact on families.
- Healthcare access is vital for the lower and middle class.
Motihari, June 1 (NationPress) The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), recognized as the largest publicly funded health assurance initiative globally, offers a health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The impact of this scheme in Motihari has been profound, with thousands of locals enrolling and benefiting from it.
Unlike in the past, individuals from lower and middle-class backgrounds can now receive treatment at hospitals without any financial burden. Those afflicted with various ailments are accessing care in private hospitals within Motihari, including surgeries facilitated by the PM-JAY.
Many patients shared their experiences with IANS, highlighting how they underwent surgeries for conditions like hernia and appendix without facing any financial strain.
Beneficiary Virendra Shah remarked: "This scheme is incredibly advantageous, as medical treatments have become quite costly."
Prem Kumar stated: "If this initiative hadn’t been launched by the government, individuals like us would have had to pawn our jewelry or sell our land. Now, thanks to the government’s efforts, we receive treatment without spending a single rupee."
A female recipient, Sangeeta Kumar, mentioned: "We obtained the Ayushman card a while ago. When we found out treatment was available under this scheme at this hospital, we came here. We express our gratitude to the government."
Dr. Ajay Verma, a physician in the city treating these patients, also commended the PM-JAY. He said, "Previously, if farmers or low-income individuals faced severe illnesses and required treatment, they had to sell rice and wheat or mortgage their jewelry to pay for care. However, PM-JAY is revitalizing lives. People now visit hospitals without financial worries and leave after receiving treatment. Previously, they suffered from both health issues and financial stress, but now that concern has been alleviated," he told IANS.