Bhopal, October 16 (IANS). The two-day national review meeting of the National Health Authority (NHA) which started in Bhopal on October 15 was also held on Thursday. The objective of this meeting was to evaluate the progress of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and outline their future.
NHA CEO Dr. Sunil Kumar Baranwal, Joint Secretary Jyoti Yadav besides many senior officials, experts and stakeholders from across the country participated in the program.
The main objective of the meeting was to review the implementation of these schemes in the States and Union Territories, share good practices and create a roadmap for PM-JAY 2.0 and ABDM 2.0.
Dr. Baranwal emphasized on integration and expansion of these schemes. He said, “This review is an important step towards strengthening digital health and providing quality healthcare to every citizen. Ayushman Bharat has benefited more than 45 crore people. The collaboration of states and union territories can make it the largest health scheme in the world.”
During this, Dr. Baranwal said that Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman-Diu and Ladakh were honored with the Zero Pending Month Award for their excellent performance in management.
Former Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology J. Satyanarayana said, “Suggestions from states are important in preparing the ABDM 2.0 report, so that we can become a leader at the global level.”
NHA also released its Annual Report 2024-25 on the occasion, highlighting the achievements and innovations of PM-JAY and ABDM. Jyoti Yadav highlighted the progress made by states, including improvements in claims management, beneficiary coverage and portability. “State leadership is critical in scaling up and efficient implementation of these schemes. It is important to tailor PM-JAY 2.0 to local needs,” he said.
Kiran Gopal Vaska described ABDM as the foundation of digital health and said, “It is not just a tool, but a revolution. The ABDM index will drive accountability and innovation. Its integration with PM-JAY will bring a sea change in healthcare.”
Dr. Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat, CEO of Madhya Pradesh Health Agency, welcomed the participants, while Santosh Mathew of Gates Foundation presented the Care Coordination Model, emphasizing the synergy of both the schemes. Digital health, performance improvement and outcomes of Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) were discussed in the meeting.
Dr. Baranwal and Jyoti Yadav visited AIIMS Bhopal and got information about digital integration. The team experienced patients’ digital journey from online registration to e-prescription and digital payments. AIIMS Director Prof. Madhavanand talked about improving the patient experience through technology.
At the end of the session, Dr Baranwal visited the Sehat Setu-Care Integration Programme, which addresses emergency calls and complaints in Bhopal. In the meeting, emphasis was laid on the progress of states and adoption of digital solutions. The event concluded with a pledge to expand PM-JAY 2.0 and ABDM 2.0 and strengthen collaboration among states, which will form the basis of major changes in healthcare.
–IANS
SHK/VC