Daily Current Affairs : 14-January-2025

Odisha has become the 27th state in India to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), joining the ranks of 26 other states and all 18 Union Territories. The only exceptions are Delhi and West Bengal, which have not yet adopted the scheme. This move brings the total number of beneficiaries closer to 55 crore individuals across India, offering significant health coverage to economically disadvantaged populations.

What is AB PM-JAY?

AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, aimed at providing financial protection to underprivileged families for medical treatments. It offers health coverage for secondary and tertiary care, ensuring that those from low-income backgrounds do not face financial hardship when accessing medical services. The scheme covers 12.3 crore families, making it one of the most extensive health coverage initiatives in the world.

  • Scope of Coverage: It covers a range of medical treatments, including surgeries, hospitalizations, and specialized care.
  • Free Treatment for Senior Citizens: All senior citizens above the age of 70 are now eligible for free treatment under this scheme.
Financial Structure

AB PM-JAY is a centrally sponsored scheme with a cost-sharing arrangement:

  • 60:40 Ratio: The central government bears 60% of the cost, while the states contribute 40%.
  • 90:10 Ratio: For the north-eastern states, Himalayan states, and Union Territories, the central government contributes 90%, and the states contribute 10%.

States have the option to opt out of the scheme, although it is highly beneficial to participate.

Integration with Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY)

In Odisha, AB PM-JAY will function alongside the state’s existing healthcare initiative, the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY). GJAY is designed to provide affordable healthcare services to economically disadvantaged sections of the population in Odisha. The integration of both schemes will ensure a more comprehensive healthcare network for the people of Odisha.

  • Family Coverage: Each family is covered for up to Rs 5 lakh per year, with an additional Rs 5 lakh coverage for women members.
  • Total Beneficiaries: Around 1.03 crore families in Odisha will benefit from this coverage.
Important Points:
  • Odisha becomes the 27th state to adopt Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
  • AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, covering 55 crore individuals across India.
  • The scheme offers health coverage for secondary and tertiary care to economically disadvantaged families.
  • Each family in Odisha is covered for up to Rs 5 lakh per year, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members.
  • 1.03 crore families in Odisha will benefit from AB PM-JAY.
  • The scheme provides free treatment for all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
  • The central government contributes 60% of the cost, while states contribute 40% (90:10 for north-eastern states and Union Territories).
  • Odisha’s AB PM-JAY will operate alongside the state’s existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
  • AB PM-JAY has a network of 30,985 empaneled hospitals, including 12,881 private hospitals.
  • The scheme covers over 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties.
Why In News

Odisha becomes the 27th state to adopt Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), joining 26 other states and all 18 Union Territories that have already implemented the scheme. However, Delhi and West Bengal have not yet joined AB PM-JAY, leaving room for further expansion of the initiative.

MCQs about Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat Scheme
  1. Which state recently became the 27th to adopt the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)?
    A) Uttar Pradesh
    B) Odisha
    C) Maharashtra
    D) Bihar
    Correct Answer: B) Odisha
    Explanation: Odisha became the 27th state to adopt the AB PM-JAY scheme, joining 26 other states and all 18 Union Territories, except Delhi and West Bengal.
  2. Which of the following is NOT included in the AB PM-JAY scheme’s coverage?
    A) Secondary care
    B) Tertiary care
    C) Basic medical check-ups
    D) Specialized medical treatments
    Correct Answer: C) Basic medical check-ups
    Explanation: AB PM-JAY covers secondary and tertiary care treatments, including specialized medical treatments, but does not cover basic medical check-ups.
  3. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)?
    A) It is only for people living in urban areas.
    B) It provides free treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
    C) It covers only basic healthcare services.
    D) It is available only in southern states of India.
    Correct Answer: B) It provides free treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
    Explanation: AB PM-JAY provides free treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above, in addition to offering health coverage for secondary and tertiary care.

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

Loading