Assam launches Ayushman Bharat

Along with other parts of the country, Healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which will reportedly benefit over 50 crore Indians, has been launched in Guwahati.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the event at Khanapara on Saturday. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with Chief Secretary Alok kumar and several other dignitaries from the Health d epartment were also present at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme from Ranchi where CM Sonowal and others present at the event at Khanapara took part through video conferencing.

Under this scheme, over 10 crore families are expected to be provided with health assurance worth five lakh rupees each, every year. Health Ministry in a release said this is the world's largest government-funded health care program targeting more than 50 crore beneficiaries.

The scheme will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service. Smart Cards will be distributed from September 23 to October 10.

The Ministry said that the objectives of the Yojana are to reduce out of pocket hospitalisation expenses, fulfill unmet needs and improve access of identified families to quality inpatient care and day care surgeries.

The Ministry also stated that the services will include 1350 procedures covering pre and post hospitalization, diagnostics and medicines. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries will be able to move across borders and access services across the country through the provider network seamlessly.