Latest news with #PradhanMantriJanArogyaYojana
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
100 days in, health minister says Delhi's health infra received robust push
Three months into its term, the BJP government in Delhi has begun addressing longstanding gaps in the Capital's healthcare system, health minister Dr Pankaj Singh said on Friday — rolling out insurance schemes, pushing diagnostic upgrades, and cracking down on hospitals flouting fire safety norms. Speaking to HIndustan Times on Friday, Singh said over 300,000 Ayushman Bharat insurance cards have been issued so far, with 601 patients already admitted for treatment under the scheme. Further expanding on the data, Singh said more than 316,000 Ayushman Bharat health insurance cards have been issued since April — 175,060 under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for residents under 70, and 141,174 under the Vaya Vandana Yojana for senior citizens aged above 70. PM-JAY was launched in Delhi on April 5, followed by the rollout of the Vaya Vandana scheme on April 28. The latter provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh annually per family for eligible citizens above the age of 70. The government has also begun automatic card issuance for all beneficiaries in this category. So far, Singh said, 601 patients have received treatment under PM-JAY. Crackdown on fire safety violations in hospitals Following a Hindustan Times report highlighting lapses in fire safety clearances at three major government hospitals — Lok Nayak, Ambedkar Nagar and Bhagwan Mahavir — Singh acknowledged the issue and attributed the gaps to administrative neglect by previous governments. 'Lok Nayak is now close to receiving its no objection certificate from the fire department after implementing the necessary changes. Ambedkar Nagar is also being brought up to code,' he said. He added that 10 private hospitals have been denied NOCs due to non-compliance and given 45 days to rectify violations. 'Failure to comply will result in cancellation of their licenses,' he said. New tenders to ease medicine shortage On reports of shortages of essential drugs in government hospitals, Singh said inefficiency by previous vendors led to supply disruptions. 'We've cancelled their contracts and initiated a new tendering process. Going forward, half the medicines will be procured centrally, and the rest sourced locally to streamline delivery.' Diagnostic upgrades across 36 hospitals To reduce dependency on private centres for costly diagnostics, the government plans to install MRI and CT scan machines across all 36 government hospitals under a public-private partnership model. Singh said the services will be capped at ₹2,500 per scan, with rollout details being finalised. Inquiry into Delhi Medical Council On the proposed dissolution of the Delhi Medical Council amid allegations of irregularities, Singh said the matter is under review. 'A report has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor. Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services Dr Rati Makkar will oversee council operations.' Addressing concerns over rising respiratory infections, Singh said there was no COVID outbreak in the city. 'It's a seasonal viral wave. The infections are mild and self-limiting — there is no cause for panic.' .'
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
The road to Universal Health Coverage in India
At the recently convened 78th World Health Assembly, India reaffirmed its commitment to health equity — a timely resolution to address stark disparities in access to care. Central to India's pledge to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, Ayushman Bharat is positioned as a game changer, ushering in transformative gains by expanding comprehensive healthcare, strengthening health infrastructure, and accelerating digital adoption. A key pillar of India's flagship Ayushman Bharat initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), offering comprehensive hospitalisation cover and financial risk protection to an estimated 500 million beneficiaries — roughly the bottom 40 per cent of India's population. Historically accounting for 60-70 per cent of total healthcare spending, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) in India has declined to 39.4 per cent, according to the latest National Health Accounts estimates (2021–22) — a positive shift, though it remains to be seen whether this trend will sustain over time. The post-Covid period has seen a surge in healthcare listings on Indian stock exchanges, with corporate hospitals, diagnostic chains, pharmaceutical firms, vaccine makers, medical device companies, and health insurers entering the market. As per industry projections, India's healthcare industry — valued at $370 billion in 2022 — is estimated to reach $610 billion by 2026. The hospital sector alone accounts for nearly 50 per cent of all foreign direct investment in medical care, with strong interest from private equity firms. Concurrently, there have been inbound mergers and acquisitions by corporate hospitals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with the objective of greater market penetration and maximising revenue. Amidst the rapid expansion of the for-profit medical industry, insurance models are critical for financial protection, but more in a complementary role. Rhetorically seen as a panacea for UHC, insurance-led models may lead to cost inflation and, as seen in the US, exacerbate access barriers, exclusion, and widen disparities in health outcomes. Amid a surge in investments by business entities and a decisive shift towards an insurance-led framework, India's health system stands at an inflection point, making it imperative to examine the implications of this model in ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare. Enabled by a confluence of demographic shifts, an epidemiological transition, and supportive policy measures such as 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in health insurance, the healthcare landscape is becoming increasingly conducive to private sector growth. The elderly population (60+ years), as per the UN World Population Prospects, is projected to rise from 10 per cent to 30 per cent by 2050. Simultaneously, there is an upsurge in the burden of non-communicable diseases — diabetes, cancers, heart and chronic respiratory diseases — with studies showing mortality rates now accounting for over 60 per cent, up from 37 per cent in 1990. Competitive costs and a skilled workforce have made India a hub for medical tourism, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 17–19 per cent. Yet, infrastructure gaps persist, with a bed-to-population ratio of just 1.5 per 1,000 — well below the WHO norm — and with a skewed spread concentrated in metros. These supply and demand dynamics are expected to drive hospitalisation rates and tertiary care utilisation, boosting demand for specialised services, predominantly met by the private sector. The growth of corporate healthcare shares a symbiotic relationship with the expanding health insurance ecosystem, with each reinforcing the other. The National Sample Survey Office's (NSSO) 75th Round survey (2017–18) revealed that over two-thirds of OOPE in India is on outpatient care, with more than 70 per cent of outpatient services sought in the private sector. However, both PM-JAY and private health insurance schemes primarily cover hospitalisation, serving as financial buffers against catastrophic inpatient costs, while outpatient care remains largely excluded. According to NITI Aayog's Health Insurance for India's Missing Middle report, nearly 30 per cent of the population — about 400 million people — lack any form of health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks. This cohort is a heterogeneous mix of diverse socio-economic groups, cutting across wealth quintiles. The geriatric age group — often with multiple chronic conditions — incurs substantial spending on outpatient services, medicines, and diagnostics, all largely excluded from insurance packages. Upper-income quintiles opt for private insurance packages, while lower-income quintiles rely on government-funded schemes like PM-JAY, which have capped procedure rates often significantly lower than what private insurers or cash-paying patients are charged for the same procedures. This results in differential pricing and unfair pricing practices, especially for vulnerable patients who lack the power to negotiate. With little incentive to contain costs, both insurers and providers may perpetuate a cycle of over-treatment and rising premiums, pushing even the middle class toward financial hardship. This model undermines the principles of UHC, where access should be based on need, not purchasing power. India can draw valuable lessons from global health transition models towards universalism — Japan's standardised pricing and mandatory insurance, or Thailand's tax-financed comprehensive coverage with public sector investment, among other exemplary inclusive models. The private sector has played a role in most countries; however, over-reliance without parallel public sector investment can undermine equity and long-term sustainability. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), roughly 35 per cent of under-five children are stunted, and 57 per cent of women aged 15–49 are anaemic, reflecting broader socio-economic challenges. This underscores the need for multisectoral engagement and strategic investment in preventive and primary healthcare, targeting biomedical and socio-economic determinants. For a resilient public health system, it is imperative to reaffirm the principles of the Bhore Committee and the Alma-Ata Declaration — emphasising equitable distribution of essential healthcare and community participation, with structured and incremental investment as a higher proportion of GDP in health and social sector schemes. Equally important are stringent regulatory frameworks for drugs, diagnostics, medical devices, and corporate hospital advertising. Taking a cue from China, information technology can be leveraged to develop effective prescription audit systems to detect unnecessary medical procedures and promote rational drug use. India's public sector investment, especially in preventive and primary healthcare, needs to outpace the for-profit market trajectory to prevent widening disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. As Martin Luther King Jr said, 'Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.' The road ahead demands inclusivity — moving away from dominant narratives and putting the invisible at the centre stage. The writer is a public health professional and social entrepreneur
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
100 days of BJP rule in Delhi: Ayushman Bharat off to a smooth start, Arogya Mandirs still await impact
In its first 100 days in power in Delhi, the ruling BJP has delivered one of its key promises — implementing the Centre's flagship Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme, which claims to be the largest-of-its-kind health insurance scheme in the world. The rebranding of the primary healthcare centres — from mohalla clinics under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to Arogya Mandirs — is yet to make an impact. Reality check With at least 550 patients availing services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, 62 hospitals being empanelled under the state health authority, and 3.16 lakh beneficiaries being registered, the scheme appears to be off to a smooth start. Sources say more than 30,000 beneficiaries — aged 70 and above — have registered under the insurance scheme that gives a total health cover of Rs 10 lakh. Beneficiaries are selected based on National Food Security Act (NFSA) data, and Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011. While Centre offers a cover of Rs 5 lakh, the Delhi government provides an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh to those eligible, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said after the Delhi Cabinet's first meeting. The government has also provided Ayushman cards for senior citizens aged 70 and above, eligible to get their medical expenses covered at empanelled government and private hospitals in the city, under Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). The Delhi government has planned to deploy mobile vans across the city for door-to-door registration for elderly citizens. However, the challenge for the government is the empanelment of private hospitals, as major players such as Apollo and Max hospitals, are yet to get onboard. The National Health Authority (NHA) dashboard says a total of 93 hospitals have been empanelled, which includes 82 private hospitals and 11 public hospitals. The list accessed by The Indian Express mentioned a total of 62 hospitals, including both private and public hospitals. Of the 62 private hospitals providing services under Ayushman Bharat, nine are dedicated eye care hospitals. Along with this, hospitals also had general medicine, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology and cardiology. Representing the Association of Healthcare Providers, India (APHI), Dr Vipender Sabherwal, convenor for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, says, 'It's a very good scheme but we need to do a reality check'. 'We have been in touch with the Union Health Ministry and the government officials on pricing and rates, which do not match the requirements of any good hospitals with all facilities. The amount, which is being offered to the hospitals is meagre, and not practical. Even our payments were not being made on time under Ayushman Bharat. Even the big names,' he adds. Dr Vipender Sabherwal says the doctors' associations will get in touch with the government again to discuss things. AHPI represents about 15,000 private hospitals, including Fortis, Max Healthcare, Manipal, Medanta, Narayana and Apollo. How primary healthcare fared With the shutting of mohalla clinics and the setting up of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, not much has changed when it comes to primary healthcare in the city. Soon after coming to power, the BJP government decided to establish Jan Arogya Mandirs in place of AAP's flagship mohalla clinics and Delhi government dispensaries. While the Jan Arogya Mandir is yet to be officially inaugurated, the BJP government has readied at least four such clinics — one each in Todapur, Bhanwar Singh Camp in Vasant Vihar, Mayapuri and Inderpuri. This is part of the Centre's flagship Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission scheme (PM-ABHIM), which has been implemented in the Capital. Officials have received instructions to complete the construction of 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandir by May 29. The distribution of these 33 centres includes 20 facilities being established in Public Works Department (PWD) structures, including one at the Delhi Secretariat. Additionally, 11 centres will operate from Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) locations, while two will be situated in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) buildings. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh had said that the government will open 200 such centres in the next two months. The Arogya Mandir provides 12 comprehensive service packages, including maternal and child healthcare, vaccinations, mental health services, elderly care, and treatment for communicable diseases. When The Indian Express visited an Arogya mandir in Central Delhi's Inderpuri, locals said the clinic is providing similar services as it was providing when it was a mohalla clinic. The facility is supposed to maintain an essential drug list of 256 medicines. In-house tests will be made available for blood sugar, haemoglobin, blood group, urine, pregnancy, among others. Ninety other tests will be outsourced to Agilus Lab. Free dialysis CM Rekha Gupta had announced adding 300 dialysis machines across 16 government hospitals in the first 100 days of her rule, making free dialysis services available to the economically weaker sections and subsidised treatment available to all others. Currently, 150 dialysis machines are operational at Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital (North West), Guru Gobind Singh Govt. Hospital (West), Indira Gandhi Hospital (South West), Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital (South), Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital (North West), Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital (West), Maharishi Valmiki Hospital (North), Lok Nayak Hospital (Central), Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (Shahdara), and Dr. Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan (Shahdara). An additional 150 dialysis machines are now being installed at six more government facilities: Dr. Baba Sahib Ambedkar Hospital (North West), Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital (North East), Burari Hospital (Central), Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital (West), Ambedkar Nagar Hospital (South), and Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital (North West). These additions will expand the capacity and geographic reach of free and subsidized dialysis services for Delhi's citizens. This initiative is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) and PPP Dialysis Project of the Delhi government. It includes 150 machines already operational under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) and PPP Dialysis Project. An additional 150 machines are now being added as part of improving public healthcare infrastructure. Of the 300 dialysis units in Delhi government hospitals, many are yet to be installed.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt all set to open 33 Arogya Mandirs on May 31
The Delhi government is all set to inaugurate 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) across the city on May 31, marking the first phase of a major expansion in primary health care services. Each of the Capital's 11 districts will get at least one of the new centres, with officials racing to complete all preparations at these sites by May 27. According to a list accessed by HT, there will be three centres each in central Delhi and New Delhi, four in south-east Delhi, four in west Delhi, six in south-west Delhi, and two each in north Delhi, north-east Delhi, Shahdara, and south Delhi. East Delhi and north-west Delhi will have one AAM each. Each AAM will have a staff of around 10 members, which will include medical officers, a pharmacist, auxiliary nurse midwives, a lab technician, a DOTS lab technician (for management of tuberculosis patients), a data entry operator, and a cleaner, officials said. HT on April 25 reported that the Delhi government had selected 70 locations for the initial roll-out of AAMs and had directed the public works department (PWD) to complete construction by the end of May. The broader plan, according to government officials aware of the matter sources, is to establish 1,139 such centres across the national capital over the next 12 months. Each assembly constituency is expected to have at least one AAM in this first phase. Speaking to the media, Delhi health minister Pankaj Singh said AAMs will provide primary health care services. 'With the implementation of both AB-PMJAY and PM ABHIM, the state will soon start construction of 1,139 AAMs, 11 integrated public health labs in 11 districts, and nine critical care hospital blocks,' he said. On Thursday, chief minister Rekha Gupta held a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the health and family welfare department and the PWD to review the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the Vaya Vandana Health Scheme, the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, and various hospital infrastructure projects, said a government statement. Following the meeting, CM Gupta said under PMJAY, 295,237 beneficiaries have already registered, all of whom are entitled to receive free medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh. She added that 123,242 senior citizens have been enrolled under the PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, and that instructions have been issued to ensure swift registration of remaining eligible beneficiaries. Gupta also noted that around 100 hospitals in Delhi are currently empanelled under these schemes. If a beneficiary requires treatment outside the capital, they will be able to avail of free treatment at any empanelled hospital across the country. Speaking about AAMs, Gupta reiterated that the Delhi government is working towards establishing 1,139 centres citywide. She said approximately 15 AAMs will be set up in each assembly constituency, offering citizens access to free, basic health care services. An additional 968 sites have already been identified for upcoming phases. The CM directed all district magistrates and chief district medical officers (CDMOs) to monitor ongoing work closely and ensure that construction and operational deadlines for new hospitals and upgrade projects are met. On May 17, HT reported that the chief minister assured protesting Mohalla Clinic staff that they would be absorbed into AAMs. Gupta made the assurance after dozens of doctors, paramedics, and other clinic workers gathered outside her office, seeking clarity on their future roles and protesting delays in salary payments. The CM had said that as the government begins to phase out Mohalla Clinics in areas where AAMs are being set up, existing staff would be offered employment in the new centres.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tiranga rally held at Kondapi to celebrate Operation Sindoor success
In honour of the success of 'Operation Sindoor,' a Tiranga rally was taken out at Kondapi village in Prakasam district on Monday. Led by Social Welfare Minister Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy and Maritime Board Chairman Damacharla Satyanarayana, the national flag was carried by the people from the Government Building Complex to Sitarama Kalyanamandapam on Monday morning. Speaking at the event, Mr. Veeranjaneya Swamy said, 'The Indian Army successfully completed Operation Sindoor. Terrorism is a menace, and it must be suppressed. The state government has extended all possible support to the family of soldier Murali Naik from Anantapur district, who died in the war.' Cases withdrawn Addressing a Mini Mahanadu in the same village, the Minister said, 'The sacrifices of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers are priceless. We have withdrawn the illegal cases filed against 41 TDP workers in the constituency by the YSR Congress Party. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh are working for the welfare of the TDP cadre.' Development works On the development works carried out in the region, the minister shared that works worth more than ₹50 crore in Kondapi have been carried out. A proposal of ₹450 crore to set up a drinking water scheme from Ramatheertham to the constituency has been submitted. 'We will construct bypass roads in every panchayat with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds. Pending bills related to CC roads and mini-gokulams will be paid by June,' he said. Additionally, he shared that under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the government is providing free medical facilities worth ₹5 lakh to anyone above 70 years. Additionally, through the WhatsApp governance, several government services can be accessed by the people. 'Public welfare is the top priority of the government,' he added.
