Ranchi, March 17 (IANS). The Central Government’s ambitious Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is proving to be a boon for the people in Palamu, Jharkhand. Under this scheme, free and cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh is being provided annually to the eligible beneficiaries.
Patients and their families say that this scheme has eliminated their biggest concern, the cost of treatment, which is providing good treatment in less time and also eliminating financial problems.
Speaking to IANS, the patient’s family member Shakir Alam said that after his wife’s delivery, the health of the newborn had suddenly deteriorated. After examination, the doctors diagnosed the problem of infection and immediately started treatment. He said that if Ayushman Yojana had not been there, it would not have been possible for him to get such expensive treatment. Due to this scheme, they have got 70 to 80 percent financial relief and till now they have not had to bear any expense. He also appreciated the behavior of the hospital staff and said that this scheme is very useful for the poor.
Similarly, Dhananjay Vishwakarma, a family member of another beneficiary, while talking to IANS, said that his son’s treatment is also going on under the same scheme. Earlier, the biggest problem was the worry of money for treatment, but now this initiative of the government has brought great relief to the poor families.
Speaking to IANS, hospital employee Ravi Kumar said that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has brought a big change in the lives of poor patients. Where earlier many people were troubled due to lack of treatment, now they are getting better medical facilities on time. He said that this scheme has indeed emerged as a strong support for the weaker section of the society.
Hospital operator and President of Private Hospital Association, Manish Tiwari, while talking to IANS, said that currently about 10 patients are admitted in his hospital under the Ayushman scheme. The planning process is quite simple. The patient should have Aadhar Card, Ration Card or Ayushman Card. After this, as soon as the name is confirmed on the Ayushman portal, the patient is admitted and the treatment is completely free.
He also informed that under this scheme, general surgery, NICU for newborns, PICU for children, emergency services and treatment of many serious diseases are also included. Whereas earlier the poor had to take loans or sell property for treatment, now they are getting respectable and quality treatment even in private hospitals.
–IANS
SAK/ABM