Ayushman Bharat empowering rural Bihar: Over Rs1000 crore saved in out-of-pocket expenses in just one year
Ayushman Bharat
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(AB PM-JAY) continues to transform the lives of millions across the state, particularly in rural areas.
In a significant milestone, the state has helped beneficiaries save over Rs1000 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses within a single year -- a testament to the scheme's growing reach and effectiveness.
Affordable and quality medical care is no longer a distant dream for the rural population of Bihar. Through relentless efforts by the
State Health Agency
(SHA), the state has achieved 100 per cent coverage of all eligible families under the AB PM-JAY scheme. This has ensured that every entitled household receives the financial protection and medical assistance promised under India's largest publicly funded health insurance scheme.
The scope of healthcare delivery has further expanded with the integration of the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a state initiative aimed at widening the ambit of health coverage.
This integration not only strengthens the infrastructure but also ensures that even more residents benefit from free and quality healthcare.
Currently, over 1100 hospitals are empanelled under the scheme in Bihar, and notably, 50% of these are private hospitals. This balanced participation of both public and private healthcare institutions has significantly enhanced service delivery, reduced waiting times, and brought medical care closer to the people.
The State Health Agency has launched a series of special initiatives to ensure seamless and corruption-free implementation. These include digital monitoring, robust grievance redressal mechanisms, regular audits, and on-ground awareness drives. The SHA's commitment is focused on plugging loopholes and ensuring that the real beneficiaries -- the people of Bihar -- are not left behind.
Officials believe that such transformative steps under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY are not only improving health outcomes but are also playing a pivotal role in reducing rural distress, preventing medical indebtedness, and empowering families economically and socially.
As Bihar sets new benchmarks in public healthcare delivery, the Ayushman Bharat scheme stands out as a shining example of how proactive governance and inclusive policies can change the face of
rural healthcare
in India.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Government proposes exempting life & health insurance for individuals from GST
Representative image NEW DELHI: The Centre has proposed exempting life and health insurance policies for individuals from the ambit of GST, the head of a panel of ministers set up by the GST council said on Wednesday, a move that is expected to provide relief to large sections of consumers. Bihar deputy chief minister and convenor of the panel of ministers on health and insurance Samrat Choudhary said the Centre's proposal is clear that individual insurance policies should be exempt from GST. "This has been discussed and the GoM report will be presented to the council," Choudhary was quoted as saying. He also said all members have given their approval for lowering rates and some states have given their own views. He said a final call issue would be taken by the GST council when it meets. Telangana deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, a member of the GoM , said it was made clear that the benefit of GST should go to policyholders and not companies and a mechanism needs to be worked on to ensure this. He also pointed to the fact nearly Rs 9,700 crore annual revenue loss is estimated due to the GST exemption to individual insurance policies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo The 13-member panel on health and insurance was set up in Sept to draw up a roadmap on the issue and it is expected to submit its report by October. The panel includes ministers from UP, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. "The proposed reduction of GST on health and life insurance from 18% to nil (exempt) shows how GST has evolved from just a way to collect revenue to a tool for advancing national goals. It can help promote financial inclusion, strengthen healthcare, and support key initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and universal coverage," said Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner, EY India. "This change could be very important for both customers and the insurance industry. For individuals, especially senior citizens and low-income families, it could make insurance more affordable."
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Patients worried as Civil Hosp heart centre halts Ayushman Bharat services
Panchkula: The Heart Centre located within Civil Hospital, Sector-6, Panchkula, has ceased providing free medical services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme after pending dues worth over ₹1 crore remained unreleased. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The disruption has caused significant concern among patients, who depend on govt-funded healthcare for essential cardiac treatments. The Heart Centre was delivering vital medical care to beneficiaries enrolled under Ayushman Bharat – the flagship national health protection mission. However, due to continued delays in fund disbursement by the State Health Authorities (SHA) of Haryana and other states, the agency managing the centre suspended its operations. According to the hospital, the current pending amount stands at ₹1,09,77,887. Despite repeated appeals and assurances from Civil Hospital authorities to resume services, the agency managing the Heart Centre has refused to continue operations until payments are cleared. Hospital officials have emphasised that they have sent multiple communications — both written and in-person — to the SHA, urging swift action to release the funds. This was on Tuesday submitted by Chief Medical Officer Dr Mukta Kumar to the Human Rights Commission, Haryana, in relation to a complaint filed by complainant SK Nayar, President, Citizens Welfare Association. The hospital administration expressed regret over the agency's decision, stating that it has negatively impacted patient care. "We assured the Heart Centre that the pending dues would be prioritised as soon as funds are received. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Still, they chose to shut down." As the backlog in payments continues to stall critical services, both patients and healthcare staff are urging higher authorities to intervene. Until funds are disbursed, hundreds of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries in Panchkula remain without access to crucial heart care services, raising urgent questions about the implementation and sustainability of the scheme. Mother and Child hosp: Fire NOC pending In the case of Mother and Child Hospital, Panchkula, an inspection by the Fire Station Officer was carried out on May 5, 2025. Certain discrepancies, including obstruction due to seven trees, were observed. At present, the Fire NOC of District Civil Hospital has been obtained, and related works are under execution. While special repairs are progressing, the Fire NOC of MCH, Panchkula, is pending. However, administrative and financial approvals have been secured, and the execution of tree replantation has been handed over to the Horticulture Division. MSID:: 123389511 413 |
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Where And How To Complain If Hospital Denies Treatment
Last Updated: Over 41 crore Ayushman cards issued for free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. Cardholders can complain if treatment is denied via helpline 14555 or the official portal The Ayushman Bharat Yojana was introduced to provide free medical treatment to underprivileged individuals across India. As of July 2025, more than 41 crore Ayushman cards have been issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan-Arogya Yojana, allowing eligible individuals to receive treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh per year. Wide Network Of Hospitals The scheme includes a vast network of 31,466 empanelled hospitals nationwide, of which 14,194 are private institutions. Ayushman cardholders can avail themselves of treatment at any hospital listed under the scheme. What If A Hospital Refuses Treatment? Despite being on the panel, some hospitals may refuse to provide treatment, which goes against the scheme's rules. If the hospital has the necessary facilities for the illness in question, it is obligated to offer treatment to the cardholder. Refusal can result in government action, including removal from the panel. State-Specific Helplines Online Complaint Registration If your complaint remains unresolved via phone, you can submit it online through the official portal: Register Complaint Here Steps To Register A Complaint view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
