Daily Current Affairs : 20-September-2023

The inauguration of the Ayushman Bhav campaign and the Ayushman Bhava portal by the President of India marks a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring healthcare access for all. This initiative holds immense relevance in the context of government policies and interventions, falling under the purview of GS II. In this essay, we will delve into the dimensions of this campaign, exploring its goals and key components that are set to transform India’s healthcare landscape.

Transforming India’s Healthcare Landscape through Ayushman Bhava

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Goal

The foremost objective of the Ayushman Bhav campaign is to provide healthcare services to underserved populations. This is in line with the ethos of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,” emphasizing inclusive development for all citizens. The campaign does this by raising awareness about health schemes and diseases, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards better health.

Three Key Components of Ayushman Bhava

  1. Ayushman – Apke Dwar (AAD) 3.0

The Ayushman – Apke Dwar (AAD) 3.0 component of the campaign enables eligible beneficiaries to create Ayushman cards for themselves or their family members. This initiative streamlines healthcare access and benefits, ensuring that those in need can easily access the healthcare they deserve. Some of its key features include:

  • Simplified access to healthcare services.
  • Easy identification and verification of beneficiaries.
  • Improved efficiency in the delivery of healthcare.
  1. Ayushman Melas at HWCs and CHCs

Another crucial aspect of Ayushman Bhava is the organization of weekly Health Melas and Medical Camps at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Community Health Clinics (CHCs). These melas prioritize super-specialty healthcare services, screenings, tele-consultations, free medicines, and diagnostics. This component fosters better healthcare delivery in the following ways:

  • Promotes regular health check-ups and screenings.
  • Facilitates access to quality healthcare in rural and urban areas.
  • Ensures early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
  1. Ayushman Sabhas and Ayushman Gram Panchayats

To further strengthen the campaign’s impact, Ayushman Sabhas are organized at the community level. These assemblies are led by Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSNC) in rural areas and Ward Committees/Municipal Advisory Committees (MAS) in urban wards. They play a vital role in ensuring comprehensive health coverage and optimal healthcare service delivery by:

  • Encouraging community participation in healthcare decisions.
  • Promoting local ownership and responsibility for healthcare.
  • Identifying and addressing healthcare challenges specific to each locality.

Moreover, Ayushman Gram Panchayats are a notable part of the campaign. Gram Panchayats that successfully achieve healthcare objectives attain the prestigious status of Ayushman Gram Panchayats. This not only encourages local participation but also serves as a testament to the dedication of communities towards improving healthcare infrastructure and services.

Implementation during ‘Seva Pakhwada’

The Ayushman Bhava campaign takes a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to healthcare access and affordability. Its implementation during ‘Seva Pakhwada,’ a dedicated period of service, underscores the government’s commitment to reaching every corner of the country with healthcare services. This inclusive approach ensures that healthcare is not just a government initiative but a collective effort involving citizens and local bodies.

Important Points:

Transforming India’s Healthcare Landscape through Ayushman Bhava:

  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Goal
    • Deliver healthcare services to underserved populations.
    • Raise awareness about health schemes and diseases.
    • Emphasize “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” (Development for All) motto.

Three Key Components of Ayushman Bhava:

  • Ayushman – Apke Dwar (AAD) 3.0
    • Eligible beneficiaries can create Ayushman cards.
    • Streamline healthcare access and benefits.
  • Ayushman Melas at HWCs and CHCs
    • Weekly Health Melas and Medical Camps.
    • Prioritize super-specialty healthcare services, screenings, tele-consultations, free medicines, and diagnostics.
  • Ayushman Sabhas and Ayushman Gram Panchayats
    • Community-level assemblies for healthcare decisions.
    • Encourage local participation and dedication.
    • Recognition of Ayushman Gram Panchayats for achieving healthcare objectives.
  • Implementation during ‘Seva Pakhwada’
    • Whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach.
    • Commitment to reaching every corner of the country with healthcare services.
    • Inclusive approach involving citizens and local bodies.
Why In News

The President of India, in a historic move, has inaugurated the Ayushman Bhav campaign and the Ayushman Bhava portal, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring accessible healthcare for every citizen. This monumental initiative is poised to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, bringing quality medical services within reach of every Indian.

MCQs about Ayushman Bhava

  1. What is the primary goal of the Ayushman Bhava campaign?
    A. Promoting tourism
    B. Providing healthcare services to underserved populations
    C. Improving transportation infrastructure
    D. Encouraging sports and fitness
    Correct Answer: B. Providing healthcare services to underserved populations
    Explanation: The Ayushman Bhava campaign’s primary goal is to provide healthcare services to underserved populations.
  2. Which component of Ayushman Bhava focuses on creating Ayushman cards for beneficiaries and streamlining healthcare access?
    A. Ayushman Melas at HWCs and CHCs
    B. Ayushman Sabhas
    C. Ayushman Gram Panchayats
    D. Ayushman – Apke Dwar (AAD) 3.0
    Correct Answer: D. Ayushman – Apke Dwar (AAD) 3.0
    Explanation: This component allows eligible beneficiaries to create Ayushman cards for themselves or their family members and streamlines healthcare access.
  3. What is the significance of Ayushman Gram Panchayats in the Ayushman Bhava campaign?
    A. They organize weekly Health Melas
    B. They focus on tele-consultations
    C. They prioritize super-specialty healthcare services
    D. They recognize local achievements in healthcare objectives
    Correct Answer: D. They recognize local achievements in healthcare objectives
    Explanation: Ayushman Gram Panchayats are recognized for achieving healthcare objectives. This recognition encourages local participation and dedication.
  4. During which period is the Ayushman Bhava campaign implemented, emphasizing a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to healthcare access?
    A. Ayushman Melas
    B. Seva Pakhwada
    C. Ayushman Sabhas
    D. Ayushman – Apke Dwar (AAD) 3.0
    Correct Answer: B. Seva Pakhwada
    Explanation: The Ayushman Bhava campaign is implemented during ‘Seva Pakhwada,’ as highlighted in the essay. This period signifies a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to healthcare access and affordability.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading