The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) of the central government has altered the health care landscape in the nation by providing health cover to millions of vulnerable households across the country.
Recently reports have indicated that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is one of only three northeastern states and UTs receiving a 90 percent central share in funding under the scheme, and while the Centre is burdening the bulk of financing, J&K is only responsible for 10 percent.
The step signifies the government’s seriousness in ensuring equity-related access in regions that have different socio-economic or geographic challenges.
The government is not only supporting J&K financially by maintaining the 10 percent share of funding when financing 90 percent, but the funding allows the UT administration to proceed with roll out of essential health services to the poor and marginalized.
The scheme provides Rs 5 lakh per family per year secondary and tertiary care hospitalization which has an estimated 20 lakh families in J&K.
The Centre’s additional funding strengthens the UT to be able to action the scheme without the fear of accessing the health claim, and incurring and associated expense, with the UT administration not having stretched its fiscal doing it.
By permitting UT benefits of scheme settlements of expenses financed the same level as other special category, the Centre is signalling a firm commitment towards monitoring inconsistent development.
Although the increase in funds is positive, the effectiveness will depend on implementation. Consequently, the UT must ensure that empanelled hospitals, both public and private, are prepared to treat the surge of beneficiaries.
Public outreach campaigns are also necessary so UT residents are aware of what they are entitled to under the scheme.
Access to health care is a basic right, and if people are provided healthcare without the barrier of poverty, this initiative can lead to healthier, wealthier state that can propel the entire area toward a better future.
But the true challenge will be implementation – the Centre and UT must partner to ensure beneficiaries get services to the very last mile.
