Overview
The MoHFW has announced a suite of measures to lower OOPE across India. The initiatives combine cashless insurance, free drug and diagnostic services, and a network of primary‑care centres.
Key Developments
- AB PM‑JAY now offers a ₹5 lakh annual cover to over 12 crore vulnerable families (bottom 40% of the population).
- Ayushman Vay Vandana card extends coverage to 6 crore senior citizens (age 70+) irrespective of income.
- 1.87 lakh AAM have been operationalised nationwide.
- National Free Drugs Service Initiative and Free Diagnostics Service Initiative rolled out to supply essential medicines and tests at public facilities.
- Quality generic medicines are made affordable through PMBJP and AMRIT pharmacy stores.
- Infrastructure strengthening continues under PM‑ABHIM and PMSSY to expand hospital capacity.
Important Facts
- AB PM‑JAY covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation for 12 crore families (≈ 40 % of the population).
- Vay Vandana extends benefits to 6 crore senior citizens belonging to 4.5 crore families.
- Free drug coverage includes 113 drugs at AAM‑Sub Health Centres, 179 at AAM‑PHCs, up to 381 at District Hospitals.
- Over 1.87 lakh AAMs provide a full range of primary‑care services, from maternal health to non‑communicable disease management.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these schemes is crucial for GS‑3 (Health & Social Welfare) and GS‑2 (Public Policy). The programmes illustrate how the Union government uses centrally sponsored schemes to achieve universal health coverage, reduce financial risk, and strengthen the public health infrastructure – themes frequently asked in essay and answer‑type questions.
Way Forward
To deepen impact, the government may:
- Integrate state‑run health insurance portals with AB PM‑JAY for seamless claim processing.
- Expand the free‑drug list based on disease burden data from the National Health Profile.
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for AAMs to ensure quality and accountability.
- Promote public‑private partnerships under PM‑ABHIM to upgrade tertiary care facilities.
Continued focus on reducing OOPE will help India move closer to the Sustainable Development Goal of universal health coverage.