Mansukh L Mandaviya writes | Ayushman Bhav: May all be free of illness

Source– The post is based on the article “Mansukh L Mandaviya writes | Ayushman Bhav: May all be free of illness” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of health

Relevance- Government health scheme and interventions

News– Recently, a new health campaign called Ayushman Bhav was launched by President Droupadi Murmu.

What are some facts about the Ayushman Bharat scheme?

Its goal is to offer inclusive healthcare services to all individuals, regardless of their geographic location or financial situation.

Ayushman Bharat represents a shift from a fragmented healthcare system to a more comprehensive, demand-driven approach.

It encompasses preventive measures, health promotion, and healthcare delivery at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels through the establishment of health and wellness centers (HWCs) and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

What are some facts about Ayushman Bhav?

Its core objectives include extensive coverage, raising awareness about PM-JAY, establishing health account IDs, and delivering healthcare services such as disease screenings and the management of various health conditions like tuberculosis, hypertension.

The primary goal of Ayushman Bhav is to extend its reach to over 6.45 lakh villages and 2.55 lakh gram panchayats.

The campaign will organize activities such as sewa pakhwada. It encompasses initiatives like organ donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and blood donation initiatives.

Ayushman Sabhas are scheduled to convene on October 2. Another round is planned before December 31.

These gatherings will provide a platform for citizens to acquire knowledge about both diseases and voice their concerns regarding healthcare services.

This initiative aims to promote social accountability within the healthcare systems and exemplify the principle of “jan bhagidari se jan kalyan”.

Activities during these assemblies will include distributing PM-JAY cards, showcasing accredited hospitals, creating Ayushman Bharat Health Account IDs, offering screening services, and organizing informative talks about various diseases.

Participation is expected from various stakeholders, including MPs/MLAs, PM-JAY beneficiaries, beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, tuberculosis champions, and others to inspire community engagement.

Ayushman Melas will be held weekly at 1.6 lakh Health and Wellness Centre in villages and also at community health centers. It will be organized by medical colleges at the block level.

These Melas will provide specialized services such as ENT, eye care, and psychiatric care, build trust between the community and the healthcare system, improve health-seeking behavior and literacy, encourage greater interaction with medical colleges.

It will transform every village and urban ward into an Ayushman Gram Panchayat or Ayushman Urban Ward. It will foster comprehensive and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

The mission aims to certify villages that achieve 100 percent coverage of selected schemes under each pillar.

It includes the distribution of Ayushman cards, generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account IDs, population-based screening, and testing and treatment for communicable and non-communicable diseases.