Performance of Ayushman Bharat Scheme (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Introduction
- The Ayushman Bharat scheme, initiated by the Government of India in 2018, stands as a cornerstone of the nation's healthcare strategy.
- As the flagship health insurance program, it aims to provide financial protection to India's most vulnerable populations.
- With recent data highlighting its significant impact, especially on the elderly, this article explores the scheme's objectives, achievements, and the latest developments to offer a comprehensive view of its performance.
Why in the News?
- Recent parliamentary reports reveal that beneficiaries aged 70 years and above account for over 12% of all admissions under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- This age group has also incurred nearly 14% of the total expenditure, indicating a substantial focus on elderly care.
- The data highlights the scheme’s effectiveness in addressing the healthcare needs of an ageing population and underscores the ongoing efforts to expand and improve coverage.
About Ayushman Bharat Scheme
- Launched in 2018, the Ayushman Bharat scheme is designed to transform India's healthcare landscape by providing universal health coverage.
- The scheme is rooted in the National Health Policy 2017's vision and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasizes health and well-being for all.
Components of Ayushman Bharat
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
- Purpose: PM-JAY offers a health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakhs per year for over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, enabling them to access secondary and tertiary care without financial strain.
- Coverage: It covers a wide range of medical treatments, including hospitalization, surgeries, and specialized procedures.
Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):
- Initiative: In February 2018, the government announced the creation of 1,50,000 HWCs by upgrading existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres.
- Services: HWCs offer a comprehensive package of services, including free essential medicines, diagnostic services, teleconsultation, and health promotion activities like Yoga. They also provide annual screenings for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancers.
Progress and Achievements
Milestone of Ayushman Cards
- Achievement: By January 2024, the scheme achieved a significant milestone with 30 crore Ayushman cards issued.
- Distribution: The distribution is led by Uttar Pradesh with 4.83 crore cards, followed by Madhya Pradesh (3.78 crore) and Maharashtra (2.39 crore), reflecting the extensive reach of the program across states.
Hospital Admissions and Expenditures
- Admissions: The scheme facilitated 6.2 crore hospital admissions, with total expenditures surpassing ₹79,000 crore.
- Elderly Care: Among these admissions, 57.5 lakh were for individuals aged 70 years and above, incurring costs of over ₹9,800 crore. This demonstrates the scheme’s pivotal role in catering to the healthcare needs of the elderly population.
Gender Equity
- Distribution: Approximately 48% of the treatments provided under the scheme were availed by females, highlighting the scheme's commitment to gender equity in healthcare access.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Expansion Plans
- New Beneficiaries: The government plans to extend Ayushman Bharat to cover all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their economic status. This expansion is anticipated to add around 4 crore new beneficiaries.
- Economic Impact: According to health economist Dr. Indranil Mukhopadhyay, this expansion may lead to increased policy utilization and costs, necessitating careful planning and resource allocation.
Budgetary Allocations
- Recent Allocations: The interim budget in February 2024 extended coverage to ASHA and Anganwadi workers, enhancing the scheme's reach. The July budget saw a slight increase in allocation to ₹7,300 crore, although no major expansion was mentioned.
Demographic Trends
- Ageing Population: India’s ageing population is projected to increase from 8.6% in 2011 to 19.5% by 2050. This demographic shift is likely to escalate the demand for elderly healthcare services.
State-wise Analysis
Hospital Admissions
- Maharashtra: Leads with 20.49% of hospital admissions for the elderly, reflecting a high utilization of the scheme in the state.
- Tamil Nadu: Records the lowest proportion of admissions at 3.12%, though it has higher treatment costs for the elderly, indicating variations in healthcare needs and costs across states.
Spending on Elderly Care
- High Spending States: States such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar exhibit the highest proportions of spending on elderly care. This highlights regional disparities and varying levels of investment in healthcare for older populations.
Conclusion
- The Ayushman Bharat scheme has made remarkable strides in enhancing healthcare access and financial protection for India's vulnerable populations.
- The recent focus on elderly care, highlighted by increased admissions and expenditures, reflects the scheme's responsiveness to the needs of an ageing demographic.
- As the program continues to evolve, with plans for expansion and increased coverage, it is poised to play a crucial role in India’s healthcare system.
- Ensuring effective implementation and addressing regional disparities will be key to maximizing the scheme’s impact and achieving its goal of universal health coverage.
