Daily Current Affairs : 2-January-2024

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare recently shared insightful statistics regarding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), shedding light on its impact and reach. This flagship scheme is a crucial component of the Indian government’s National Health Policy, aiming to provide health coverage to the bottom 40% of the nation’s poor and vulnerable population.

Key Highlights of AB PM-JAY Statistics

Gender Distribution:

  • Women make up nearly half (49%) of the total Ayushman cards created.
  • Approximately 48% of authorized hospital admissions are attributed to women, emphasizing the scheme’s inclusive nature.

Ayushman Card Creation:

  • A significant milestone has been achieved with approximately 28.45 Crore Ayushman Cards generated as of December 2023.
  • Remarkably, in the year 2023 alone, around 9.38 Crore Ayushman Cards were created, showcasing the growing awareness and acceptance of the scheme.

Coverage and Expansion:

  • The scheme’s ambit extends to 55 Crore individuals from 12 Crore families.
  • Several states and union territories have independently expanded the beneficiary base, showcasing commitment despite additional costs.

Hospital Admissions:

  • Over 6.11 Crore hospital admissions, totaling Rs 78,188 Crores, have been authorized.
  • In 2023, 1.7 Crore hospital admissions worth over Rs 25,000 Crores were specifically authorized, underscoring the significant impact on healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Overview

AB PM-JAY, launched in September 2018, operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, providing health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The beneficiaries, identified based on deprivation and occupational criteria, receive e-cards for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals nationwide.

Key Features of AB-PMJAY
  • PM-JAY covers 10.74 Crore households, benefitting around 50 Crore Indians.
  • The health assurance scheme offers a comprehensive cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment in both public and private empanelled hospitals.
  • E-cards are provided based on socio-economic criteria, with no restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
  • All pre-existing medical conditions are covered, encompassing 3 days of hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization care.
  • The scheme’s portability enables beneficiaries to avail treatment at any empanelled hospital nationwide.
Important Points:
  • Gender Distribution:
    • Women constitute 49% of total Ayushman cards.
    • Around 48% of authorized hospital admissions are accounted for by women.
  • Ayushman Card Creation:
    • Approximately 28.45 Crore Ayushman Cards generated as of December 2023.
    • Notably, around 9.38 Crore Ayushman Cards were created in 2023 alone.
  • Coverage and Expansion:
    • Scheme extends coverage to 55 Crore individuals from 12 Crore families.
    • States and union territories independently expanded beneficiary base, incurring additional costs.
  • Hospital Admissions:
    • Over 6.11 Crore hospital admissions authorized, totaling Rs 78,188 Crores.
    • In 2023, 1.7 Crore hospital admissions worth over Rs 25,000 Crores specifically authorized.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Overview:

  • Launched in September 2018 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Provides health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
  • Beneficiaries receive e-cards for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals nationwide.

Key Features of AB-PMJAY:

  • Covers 10.74 Crore households, benefiting around 50 Crore Indians.
  • Offers comprehensive cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment in both public and private empanelled hospitals.
  • E-cards provided based on socio-economic criteria, with no restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
  • All pre-existing medical conditions covered, encompassing 3 days of hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization care.
  • Portability allows beneficiaries to avail treatment at any empanelled hospital nationwide.
Why In News

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has recently unveiled certain statistics pertaining to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), showcasing its significant impact on improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for millions of citizens across the nation.

MCQs about AB PM-JAY

  1. As of December 2023, how many Ayushman Cards have been generated under AB PM-JAY?
    A. Approximately 18.45 Crore
    B. Approximately 28.45 Crore
    C. Approximately 38.45 Crore
    D. Approximately 48.45 Crore
    Correct Answer: B. Approximately 28.45 Crore
    Explanation: December 2023, a total of approximately 28.45 Crore Ayushman Cards have been generated.
  2. What is the primary criterion for beneficiaries to receive an e-card under AB PM-JAY?
    A. Academic qualifications
    B. Socio-economic criteria
    C. Height and weight measurements
    D. Marital status
    Correct Answer: B. Socio-economic criteria
    Explanation: Beneficiaries receive e-cards based on socio-economic criteria.
  3. What is the main objective of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)?
    A. Providing free education
    B. Ensuring food security
    C. Offering health coverage to the poor and vulnerable
    D. Promoting environmental conservation
    Correct Answer: C. Offering health coverage to the poor and vulnerable
    Explanation: AB PM-JAY aims to provide health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to India’s bottom 40% poor and vulnerable population.

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