In a major announcement in the interim budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides health insurance to the poor and vulnerable, will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers. This will benefit about 30 lakh frontline health workers who are involved in delivering essential services to the rural and urban poor.
What is Ayushman Bharat?
Ayushman Bharat, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a flagship scheme of the central government that was launched in 2018. It aims to provide health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to over 30.6 crore poor and vulnerable families. The scheme is completely cashless and paperless, and beneficiaries can avail treatment under defined packages at empanelled hospitals across the country. The scheme has catered to about 6.2 crore hospital admissions amounting to more than Rs 79,157 crore till now.
Why is it important for ASHA and Anganwadi workers?
ASHA and Anganwadi workers are the backbone of the public health system in India. They are community-based health workers who provide a range of services such as maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, sanitation, disease prevention and control, etc. They also act as a link between the community and the health facilities. However, they often face challenges such as low remuneration, lack of social security, inadequate training and supervision, and exposure to various health risks. By extending the Ayushman Bharat scheme to them, the government aims to recognise their contribution and ensure their well-being.
What are the challenges and opportunities?
The extension of Ayushman Bharat scheme to ASHA and Anganwadi workers is a welcome step that can improve their access to quality healthcare and reduce their out-of-pocket expenditure. However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed for its effective implementation. Some of these are:
- Ensuring awareness and enrolment of all eligible workers under the scheme
- Providing adequate infrastructure and human resources at the empanelled hospitals
- Monitoring and evaluating the quality and outcomes of the services provided under the scheme
- Addressing any grievances or complaints that may arise from the beneficiaries or the providers
- Coordinating with the state governments and other stakeholders for smooth functioning of the scheme
The extension of Ayushman Bharat scheme to ASHA and Anganwadi workers also presents an opportunity for strengthening the public health system in India. By ensuring their health security, the scheme can motivate them to perform better and enhance their productivity. It can also create a positive impact on the health status of the communities they serve, especially in terms of reducing maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, communicable diseases, etc. Moreover, it can also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being.