On the special occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 73rd birthday, the Indian government is set to introduce a groundbreaking healthcare campaign called ‘Ayushman Bhava.’
Campaign Launch and Duration
As per reports from PTI (Press Trust of India), Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on September 11 that the ‘Ayushman Bhava’ campaign will kick off on September 13. This initiative coincides with the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ which commences on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, September 17. The campaign is scheduled to run until October 2, encompassing various activities aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and awareness.
Components of Ayushman Bhava
Ayushman Bhava is a comprehensive campaign comprising three key components:
- Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0: This segment focuses on the creation and distribution of Ayushman cards to all remaining eligible beneficiaries. Approximately 60,000 individuals will receive Ayushman Bharat cards.
- Ayushman Mela: Under this component, weekly health melas will be organized at the level of AB-HWCs (Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers) and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
- Ayushman Sabha: These village/ward-level sabhas aim to enhance awareness about various healthcare schemes and services.
24×7 Helpline for Guidance
For any guidance related to the pledging process or information on organ donation, a 24×7 toll-free helpline number — 1800114770 — is fully operational.
Key Features of Ayushman Bhava
Ayushman Bhava is a government-sponsored health scheme with the following key features:
- Universal Coverage: The scheme is designed to provide qualitative, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all citizens of India, regardless of their income or social status.
- Coverage for Chronic Illnesses: Individuals suffering from chronic illnesses will also be eligible for coverage under this scheme.
- Preventive Measures: The campaign encourages people to adopt healthy living habits, offers diet plans, regular check-ups, health screenings, and vaccinations for children.
- Cost-Effective Implementation: The scheme has been structured to be implemented cost-effectively, ensuring it doesn’t burden the public exchequer.
- Accessibility Initiatives: To make healthcare more accessible, the government has introduced online patient registration, telemedicine services, free ambulance services, and the provision of free medicines at government-run hospitals and centers.
President Droupadi Murmu’s Perspective
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu virtually launched the Ayushman Bhava portal from the Raj Bhavan in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar. She emphasized that these initiatives mark a significant leap towards ensuring healthcare for all, especially for underserved populations. She also highlighted the multi-ministerial approach being taken to implement the program and stressed the importance of cooperation from all quarters.
President Murmu stated that achieving the goal of universal health coverage, where no person or village is left behind, is central to this campaign’s objective. This effort aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s focus on Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Antyodaya, ensuring healthcare reaches the last person in the last village. Furthermore, this initiative resonates with the global community’s commitment to the sustainable development goals as highlighted during the G20 Summit.
Ayushman Bhava represents a significant stride by the Government of India in making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and qualitative for all its citizens. This campaign holds the potential to transform the healthcare landscape of the nation, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of universal health coverage.
