The rollout of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards universal healthcare. Now they do not have to worry about the lack of money for treatment. Ayushman Bharat cards will start being distributed to the senior citizens above 70 years in Delhi from today, Monday. Since the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in Delhi, people aged 70 plus were waiting for this card.
The Delhi government will start distributing these cards from today. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to millions, bridging the gap between healthcare needs and financial capabilities. As Delhi becomes the 35th state or Union Territory to adopt the scheme, residents are set to benefit from improved access to quality medical care.
Delhi Embraces Ayushman Bharat
VIDEO | Here’s what Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said while addressing Ayushman Bharat Card Distribution ceremony:
"Being healthy is a matter of great fortune. Only a healthy body can accomplish all other tasks. And with the same principle, the Prime Minister of the country has always… pic.twitter.com/H83aeYdwbJ
The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has officially launched in Delhi. This follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Delhi government and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 19 Delhi residents (11 women and eight men) received their Ayushman Bharat cards at a ceremony, marking the beginning of the scheme's implementation.
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat![ayushman bharat in delhi 3 (56)]()
Below are a few benefits of the scheme.
- Financial Protection: The program provides ₹5 lakh in annual health coverage per family for secondary and tertiary hospital care, specifically targeting economically weaker sections. In Delhi, eligible families will receive up to ₹10 lakh in health coverage annually.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialities. This includes costs for medicines, diagnostics, hospitalisation, ICU care, and surgeries.
- Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. This removes the immediate financial burden of healthcare expenses.
- Improved Healthcare Infrastructure: The Union government has approved ₹1,749 crore for Delhi to establish 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), upgrade 11 integrated public health laboratories, and set up nine critical care blocks.
- Expanded Access: With 46 private and 34 government hospitals in Delhi empanelled under the scheme, residents have a wider range of options for treatment.
- Focus on Senior Citizens: The scheme provides full coverage from the first day for all senior citizens and pre-existing conditions.
Countering Concerns and Moving Ahead![Ayushman BHarat 2 - 2025-04-11T115359.887]()
While there was excitement, many beneficiaries have wondered which hospitals they can go to under the scheme. The health department and hospital providers must raise awareness. Precise information should be provided regarding how to employ the card and receive treatment.
Steps to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card
To apply for an Ayushman Bharat card under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, follow these simple steps:
- Check Eligibility: Visit the official Ayushman Bharat website or Common Service Centers (CSCs) to verify if your family qualifies under the Ayushman Bharat scheme using your ration card or mobile number.
- Online Application: Go to the Ayushman Bharat online portal, fill in the required details, and upload necessary documents like identity proof and income certificate.
- Offline Option: Alternatively, visit an empanelled hospital or Ayushman Mitra kiosk to apply for your Bharat Ayushman card in person.
- Ayushman Bharat Login: Track your application status by logging into the portal with your registered mobile number.
- Download e-Card: Once approved, Ayushman Bharat card download is available from the portal or via SMS.
- Avail Benefits: Present your Ayushman Bharat health insurance card at empanelled hospitals for cashless treatment.
Ensure you meet the Ayushman Bharat eligibility criteria to avoid rejection.
A Step Towards Healthcare Equity![ayushman bharat benefits 1 - 2025-04-11T115357.101]()
The launch of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi is a step towards healthcare equality. The scheme can bring about a radical change in the lives of millions by ensuring access to quality medical treatment. Going forward, while implementing the scheme, attention must be given to addressing beneficiaries' concerns, enhancing awareness, and enhancing the healthcare infrastructure. This will help Ayushman Bharat live up to its intent of healthcare and well-being for all.
Additional Benefits from Other Sources
Ayushman Bharat also provides a number of other advantages that make it effective:
- Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: By offering cashless treatment, the scheme lowers out-of-pocket costs for families considerably, which is one of the key reasons for financial hardship in India.
- Higher Healthcare Utilisation: Research has indicated that schemes such as Ayushman Bharat result in higher healthcare utilisation among poor and vulnerable groups, enhancing health outcomes.
- Economic Benefits: The scheme also has economic benefits by lessening the financial load on families and ensuring economic stability.
- Better Health Infrastructure: The investment in healthcare infrastructure under Ayushman Bharat facilitates the upgrading of facilities and services, resulting in improved quality care.
In total, Ayushman Bharat is not merely a health insurance scheme but a holistic strategy for building India's healthcare system.
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Conclusion
Implementing Ayushman Bharat in Delhi is a large step towards a universal healthcare facility. Through greater coverage and enhancement of infrastructure, it has the potential to transform lives and connect gaps in care. Proper execution can leave long-lasting effects on the health and well-being of Delhi's residents.