Rajouri, October 29 (IANS). The Central Government’s ambitious health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is proving beneficial for the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to data from Jammu and Kashmir’s Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, more than 27,500 patients have been given free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme since 2018, out of which about 17,500 patients have been successfully operated on. These surgeries include complex operations related to heart, eye, bone and gynecology, which cost lakhs of rupees in private hospitals.
Under this scheme, free cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year is being provided, due to which quality medical treatment has now become accessible to the poor and deprived sections. The impact of this scheme has been especially seen in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Speaking to news agency IANS, Suresh Sharma, Ayushman section in-charge of the hospital, said, “Our aim is to ensure that no person is deprived of treatment due to financial constraints. Ayushman Bharat Yojana has truly taken health services to the masses.”
Speaking to IANS, a beneficiary said, “Earlier we had to take loan for treatment, but now even major operations are being done for free. This is a life-saving scheme for the poor. Through this scheme, we are getting good treatment. Earlier we used to face problems and had to stand in queues to get treatment, but now it is not so.”
GMC Rajouri is also working under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, under which high quality generic medicines are provided to the patients at affordable prices. Medicines available from Jan Aushadhi Kendra are cheaper than the market price, which has reduced the financial burden on the common people.
Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi are moving India towards universal health coverage. These initiatives ensured that citizens of remote areas like Pir Panjal are equally included in the journey of ‘Healthy India, Prosperous India’. The beneficiaries of the scheme also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government.
–IANS
SAK/DKP