Daily Current Affairs : 1-December-2023

Recently, the Union Government took a significant step in the health sector by renaming the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir.’ This move holds immense relevance in the context of India’s healthcare landscape.

Ayushman Bharat (AB) Initiative (2018):

In 2018, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat initiative, envisioning the establishment of 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming existing sub-health centres and primary health centres. This initiative, consisting of two components, aimed to revolutionize primary healthcare.

Funding and Design Strategy:

  • The Centre committed to providing 60% of the funding.
  • States followed a design manual outlined by the central government.
Remarkable Progress of AB-HWCs:

The initiative has witnessed remarkable progress with 61 lakh operational AB-HWCs nationwide, surpassing the initial target. These centres play a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services.

Services Provided:

  • Maternal and child healthcare services.
  • Primary-level care for emergencies and trauma.
  • Free drugs and diagnostic services.

New Tagline: The AB-HWCs now carry the tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam,’ underscoring the pivotal role of health as the ultimate wealth.

Key Facts about Ayushman Bharat (AB):

Dual Initiatives Announced (2018):

  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): Focused on curative care, providing coverage of up to 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization at private hospitals.
  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWC): Aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, AB-HWCs are integral to the Ayushman Bharat program’s primary care component.

National Health Authority (NHA):

  • Tasked with implementing PMJAY.
  • Plays a crucial role in the successful execution of health initiatives under Ayushman Bharat.
Important Points:
  • Ayushman Bharat (AB) Initiative (2018):
    • Launched by the Government of India in 2018.
    • Vision: Creation of 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
    • Components:
      • Ayushman Arogya Mandir
      • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
  • Funding and Design Strategy:
    • Centre provides 60% funding.
    • States follow a design manual outlined by the central government.
  • Remarkable Progress of AB-HWCs:
    • 61 lakh operational AB-HWCs nationwide.
    • Services:
      • Maternal and child healthcare.
      • Primary-level care for emergencies and trauma.
      • Free drugs and diagnostic services.
    • New tagline: ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam.’
  • Key Facts about Ayushman Bharat (AB):
    • Dual Initiatives Announced (2018):
      • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY):
        • Focus on curative care.
        • Provides coverage of up to 5 lakhs per family per year for hospitalization.
      • Health and Wellness Centres (HWC):
        • Strengthens primary healthcare.
    • National Health Authority (NHA):
      • Tasked with implementing PMJAY.
      • Crucial role in successful execution of health initiatives under Ayushman Bharat.
Why In News

Recently, in a significant move, the Union Government has decided to rebrand the existing Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive healthcare. This change aims to not only redefine the nomenclature but also reinforce the holistic nature of the health services provided.

MCQs about Ayushman Arogya Mandir

  1. What is the recent development mentioned in the essay regarding Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)?
    A. Introduction of new services
    B. Renaming to ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’
    C. Increase in funding
    D. Expansion of tertiary care facilities
    Correct Answer: B. Renaming to ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’
    Explanation: The essay highlights the renaming of AB-HWCs to ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir.’
  2. How many Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) were initially planned under the Ayushman Bharat Initiative in 2018?
    A. 50,000
    B. 1 lakh
    C. 1.5 lakh
    D. 2 lakh
    Correct Answer: C. 1.5 lakh
    Explanation: The government aimed to create 1.5 lakh HWCs under the Ayushman Bharat Initiative.
  3. What is the new tagline associated with Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)?
    A. “Health is Wealth”
    B. “Arogya for All”
    C. “Arogyam Parmam Dhanam”
    D. “Wellness Beyond Borders”
    Correct Answer: C. “Arogyam Parmam Dhanam”
    Explanation: The new tagline is mentioned as “Arogyam Parmam Dhanam.”
  4. Which initiative under Ayushman Bharat focuses on curative care and provides coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization?
    A. Ayushman Arogya Mandir
    B. National Health Authority (NHA)
    C. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
    D. Health and Wellness Centres (HWC)
    Correct Answer: C. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
    Explanation: PMJAY focuses on curative care and provides coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

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