Daily Current Affairs : 29-October-2024

On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti, which is celebrated as the 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister of India will launch a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This expansion will provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income. This move aims to further strengthen India’s healthcare system, making it more inclusive and accessible to vulnerable sections of society.

About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

Launched in 2018, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is India’s flagship healthcare initiative designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to vulnerable families. The scheme aims to ensure that no citizen is left behind when it comes to receiving medical treatment, especially those from marginalized and economically weaker sections.

Key Features of AB PM-JAY:

  • Health Insurance Coverage: Offers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital care.
  • Universal Health Access: Ensures that healthcare is accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable citizens.
  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): A target of 1.5 lakh HWCs to provide primary healthcare services across India, focusing on both preventive and curative treatments.
  • Financial Protection: Reduces out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for low-income families.

Key Expansion: Coverage for Senior Citizens

The recent expansion of AB PM-JAY brings a significant change for senior citizens. Now, all individuals aged 70 years and above will be covered under this health scheme. This expansion will:

  • Provide health insurance to senior citizens, regardless of their income levels.
  • Ensure that elderly citizens can access quality healthcare without financial burden.

By including this age group, the government is addressing the growing healthcare needs of an aging population and helping reduce the financial strain on families with elderly members.

Important Points:

  • Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Expansion: Senior citizens aged 70 and above will now receive health coverage under the scheme, regardless of income.
  • Launch Date: The expansion was announced on Dhanvantari Jayanti (9th Ayurveda Day) by the Prime Minister.
  • About AB PM-JAY:
    • Launched in 2018 to provide healthcare coverage to vulnerable families.
    • Offers up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospital care.
    • Covers 55 crore individuals across 12.34 crore families nationwide.
  • Key Features of AB PM-JAY:
    • Universal health access: Ensures no citizen, especially the marginalized, is deprived of healthcare.
    • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): 1.5 lakh centres to provide primary healthcare services, focusing on preventive and curative care.
    • Financial protection: Reduces out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for low-income families.
  • Impact on Senior Citizens:
    • The expansion ensures health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.
    • Helps reduce the financial burden on families with elderly members by covering healthcare costs.
  • Government’s Goal: Strengthen healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, as part of the broader vision of universal health coverage.

Why In News

On Dhanvantari Jayanti, celebrated as the 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister will launch the expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, marking a major addition to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This move is aimed at ensuring that elderly citizens have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income, and is a significant step towards strengthening India’s healthcare system for vulnerable groups.

MCQs about Ayushman Bharat

  1. What new feature was added to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) recently?
    A. Coverage for children under 18 years
    B. Coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above
    C. Free medicines for all citizens
    D. Coverage for people with chronic diseases
    Correct Answer: B. Coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above
    Explanation: The recent expansion of AB PM-JAY includes providing health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.
  2. What is the main objective of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?
    A. To provide healthcare only to low-income families
    B. To provide health insurance coverage for up to ₹5 lakh per family annually
    C. To provide free surgeries to senior citizens
    D. To focus only on preventive healthcare
    Correct Answer: B. To provide health insurance coverage for up to ₹5 lakh per family annually
    Explanation: The primary objective of AB PM-JAY is to provide health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospital care.
  3. Which occasion was chosen for launching the expansion of health coverage for senior citizens under AB PM-JAY?
    A. Independence Day
    B. Dhanvantari Jayanti (9th Ayurveda Day)
    C. Republic Day
    D. World Health Day
    Correct Answer: B. Dhanvantari Jayanti (9th Ayurveda Day)
    Explanation: The expansion of health coverage to senior citizens was announced on Dhanvantari Jayanti, which is celebrated as the 9th Ayurveda Day.

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