Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the launch of the 'Ayushman Bhav' nationwide health initiative on September 11, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 73rd birthday celebration. President Droupadi Murmu officially inaugurated the campaign on September 13, marking the start of an extensive healthcare drive that will run until October 2.
This initiative is a notable part of the Seva Pakhwada festivities dedicated to honoring Prime Minister Modi's birthday, aiming to benefit millions of people across the country. The Ayushman Bhav initiative includes various programs, one of which is Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0. This initiative focuses on providing Ayushman cards to eligible beneficiaries already enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme, thereby expanding access to essential healthcare services.
Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0
The National Health Authority (NHA) launched the 'Ayushman - Apke Dwar' (AAD) campaign on March 1, 2021, in 33 States/Union Territories where the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was being implemented. The primary aim of this initiative was to expedite the distribution of Ayushman cards, which were closely tied to the adoption of the AB PM-JAY scheme. NHA collaborated with various agencies, including CSC, UTIITSL, and private entities, to facilitate card creation. Initially, beneficiaries had to pay Rs 30 for a paper-based Ayushman card, but it was later provided for free.
The Ayushman card served not only as an awareness tool but also symbolized entitlement and empowerment for beneficiaries, encouraging them to access healthcare services. Additionally, it contributed to establishing a unified identity for the AB PM-JAY scheme across India.
Building on the success and lessons from Ayushman Apke Dwar 1.0, 'Ayushman - Apke Dwar 2.0' was launched on August 1, 2022. This updated version featured an improved IT platform, mobile application-based card creation, and the involvement of Frontline Workers (FLWs) for a door-to-door campaign. These enhancements led to the generation of more than 10 crore Ayushman cards during the fiscal year 2022-23.
Objective Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0
1. Attaining full coverage of Ayushman cards for individuals.
2. Producing Ayushman cards and handing them over to Frontline Workers (FLWs) for subsequent distribution.
3. Commencing a nationwide campaign to deliver Ayushman cards in every State and Union Territory (UT).
Additionally, the initiative will host Ayushman Melas, featuring weekly health events at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs). These events will not only distribute Ayushman Bharat Cards but also offer early diagnosis, comprehensive primary healthcare services, teleconsultations with specialists, and appropriate referrals to improve healthcare access for all.
What Is ‘Ayushman Bhav’ Initiative?
The 'Ayushman Bhav' initiative aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services in every village and town, aligning with the commitment of Honorable Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi to ensure that healthcare services reach even the remotest areas and are accessible to all members of society. This initiative encompasses a range of actions, including 'Ayushman - Apke Dwar 3.0,' 'Ayushman Sabhas,' 'Ayushman Melas' at the Health and Wellness level, and Medical Camps conducted by Medical Colleges at Community Health Centers (CHCs). Ultimately, the goal is to transform Gram/Nagar Panchayats or Urban Wards into 'Ayushman Panchayats' or 'Ayushman Urban Wards' by providing comprehensive healthcare services to the fullest extent.
60,000 People Will Be Benefited With Ayushman Bharat Cards
The Ayushman Bhav campaign is a government-sponsored health initiative in India aimed at providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. To achieve this, Ayushman Sabhas, community gatherings held in villages and Panchayats, are organized to distribute Ayushman cards and generate ABHA IDs (Health IDs). These gatherings also focus on raising awareness about important health schemes and diseases, including non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease, as well as promoting blood and organ donation drives. The campaign offers a wide range of medical benefits, such as free diagnosis and treatment for serious illnesses, financial support for hospitalizations and surgeries, making healthcare more accessible to all.
The Ayushman Bhav scheme, initiated by the government, has introduced various measures to improve healthcare accessibility. These include online patient registration, telemedicine services, and free ambulance services, facilitating easier access to medical care. Additionally, government-run hospitals and centers offer free medicines and consultations to patients. The campaign emphasizes the significance of preventive care, providing information on healthy lifestyles, diet plans, regular check-ups, health screenings, and vaccinations for children, promoting overall well-being and disease prevention.
Ayushman Bhav Campaign Aims for Full Coverage and PM-JAY Awareness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed an article written by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandviya, which discusses the key aspects of the 'Ayushman Bhav' campaign. This campaign is centered around achieving comprehensive healthcare coverage, increasing awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), establishing health account IDs, and delivering a range of healthcare services in both rural areas and urban neighborhoods. In a post shared on a social media platform, the Prime Minister highlighted Minister Mandviya's explanation of the campaign's objectives and its significance in addressing healthcare needs across India.
Union Health Minister @mansukhmandviya elucidates how 'Ayushman Bhav' campaign focuses on comprehensive coverage, developing awareness about PM-JAY, creating health account IDs, and providing various health services in villages as well as urban wards. https://t.co/2Pt8fiR3wr
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 16, 2023