Government to include AYUSH in Ayushman Bharat scheme

August 13, 2024

The Union Government of India is considering adding an AYUSH package to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This initiative aims to improve health coverage for a large segment of the population.

What is Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)?

AB PM-JAY is a government health scheme that provides health insurance of ₹5 lakh per family per year. It targets around 55 crore people, which includes the bottom 40% of the population. The scheme focuses on covering costs related to secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.

Integration of the AYUSH Package

Discussions are ongoing to incorporate AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) into the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The key aspects being considered include:

Package Design and Pricing: Developing appropriate coverage and pricing for AYUSH treatments.
Onboarding AYUSH Hospitals: Integrating AYUSH hospitals into the AB PM-JAY network.
Standard Treatment Guidelines: Establish uniform guidelines for AYUSH treatments to ensure consistency and quality.
Defined Treatment Outcomes: Setting clear expectations for treatment results.
Financial Implications: Assessing the cost impact and financial sustainability of including AYUSH in the scheme.

Role of State Governments

Public health is mainly managed by State governments, which are in charge of providing AYUSH treatment services. The Ministry of AYUSH supports these efforts through the National Ayush Mission (NAM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. This scheme helps states by providing funding and resources to promote and integrate AYUSH treatments into the healthcare system.

Access for Central Government Employees

Central government employees and pensioners enrolled in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) have access to both allopathic and AYUSH healthcare services. Currently, CGHS operates 110 Ayush Wellness Centres and one Ayurvedic Hospital across India, providing a range of AYUSH treatments and services.

What is the AYUSH package?

The AYUSH package promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy in India, aiming to improve access to and quality of healthcare. It integrates traditional methods with modern medicine. Introduced as part of the National Health Mission in 2014, the package supports research and education in alternative medicine. The AYUSH Ministry regulates practitioners and educational institutions to ensure standards. AYUSH remedies are incorporated into national health policies, supporting preventive healthcare and wellness tourism. The package contributes to a holistic approach to health by emphasizing both traditional practices and modern medical advancements.

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