The Ayushman card, an initiative by the Indian government, serves as a lifeboat for millions of households who struggle to access and afford quality health care. Introduced under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the Ayushman card is currently benefiting several people, creating a pathway for affordable healthcare for all.
The National Health Authority rolled out the PMJAY scheme, also known by the name ‘Ayushman Bharat scheme,’ in 2018, aiming to provide health coverage to more than 500 million beneficiaries. This scheme, the largest of its kind globally, is a giant step towards achieving universal health coverage for the nation.
The Ayushman card is a unique identification tool that allows beneficiaries to avail of the benefits under the PMJAY scheme. The primary aim of this groundbreaking initiative is to combat the soaring costs of healthcare in the country. With the Ayushman card, the economically disadvantaged segment of society can gain affordable, quality and timely health services.
Eligibility and Benefits of Ayushman Card
Eligibility for the Ayushman card is determined by SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) data, focusing primarily on economically weaker sections. The recognized beneficiaries receive a family floater health coverage of up to INR 5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care procedures. With the Ayushman card, beneficiaries can undergo treatment at any of the recognized hospitals across the country.
The Ayushman card covers a broad spectrum of medical services like daycare surgeries, follow-up care, pre and post-hospitalization charges, and more. Most importantly, these services aren’t limited to government hospitals, broadening the horizon for beneficiaries to seek quality care.
Application for Ayushman Card
To apply for the Ayushman card, the applicant needs to visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) along with necessary documents like Aadhaar Card and ration card. The Village Level Entrepreneur or a certified PMJAY agent will fill in the required login details, verifying your eligibility under the PMJAY scheme.
Following successful eligibility verification, the applicant’s details are registered in the system, and an Ayushman card is issued. The process is entirely cashless and hassle-free with a nominal fee of INR 30 for card generation.
Ayushman Card: A Pillar of Support During COVID-19
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health and the healthcare system is undeniable. During these challenging times, the Ayushman card has stood out as a beacon of hope to many families caught in the whirlwind of health and economic crisis. PMJAY, through the Ayushman card, has made provisions for testing and treatment of COVID-19 and has played a pivotal role in extending accessible and affordable health care.
The Roadmap of PMJAY
The Ayushman card is not just a financial aid card but an empowerment tool for the less privileged in India. PMJAY aspires to dismantle economic obstacles in accessing health services to ensure that health care is not a privilege but a right for every citizen.
Besides providing monetary assistance, the PMJAY scheme also focuses on improving the availability of quality medical facilities, especially among the economically weaker strata. The PMJAY holds the potential to revolutionize the Indian healthcare sector by bridging the gap between access and affordability.
Looking ahead, the Ayushman card is your key to universal healthcare access. It brings promising prospects of better health for India’s numerous families that cannot afford decent health care. This public health initiative, through the Ayushman card, takes India a step closer to achieving its Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and well-being).
In sum, government interventions like PMJAY and the Ayushman card play a crucial role in leveling the existing disparities in India’s healthcare sector. They ensure that high costs do not hinder the pathway to essential health services, making healthcare more inclusive and accessible. By doing so, the Ayushman card reassures our trust in the motto ‘Health for All’.
