“Narendra Modi’s Government Extends Ayushman Bharat Benefits to ASHA and Anganwadi Workers
In a landmark move, the Narendra Modi government has extended the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers. This decision, announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her interim budget speech for 2024-25, marks a significant step in recognizing the vital role played by these community health volunteers in bridging the gap between rural communities and the healthcare system.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in 2018, is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India by providing preventive and curative healthcare services. The scheme provides cashless and inpatient medical care services up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to over 50 crore beneficiaries identified as economically disadvantaged through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011, making it the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme.
Himanshu Sikka, Sector Head – Health, Nutrition & WASH at IPE Global, an international development consulting firm, remarked, “Giving Ayushman Bharat coverage to our precious frontline health workers paves the path to fill the gaps that exist in health human resources.”
The phased approach of the Ayushman Bharat scheme has seen a gradual expansion of its coverage. In phase one (2018-2019), it targeted socio-economically deprived families identified through SECC 2011. Phase two (2019 onwards) saw an expansion to include additional categories such as senior citizens, employees covered under Employee State Insurance and Central Government Health Scheme, and the transgender community.
Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, expressed support for the extension of Ayushman Bharat coverage to Anganwadi and Asha workers, emphasizing their vital role in community health and the consolidation of maternal and child healthcare schemes.
This recent development is a testament to the government’s commitment to extending healthcare coverage to all sections of society. The inclusion of ASHA and Anganwadi workers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is a historic milestone in the journey towards achieving universal health coverage in India.”
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