TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE
THE CONTEXT: The Union Government of India is actively working on incorporating the AYUSH system of medicine into the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
EXPLANATION:
- This significant move is poised to enhance the healthcare options available to millions of Indians, particularly those belonging to economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
- The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a landmark healthcare scheme launched by the Indian government.
- The scheme aims to provide a health cover of ₹5 lakhs per family per year, specifically for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
- The initiative targets approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, which corresponds to around 12.34 crore families that constitute the bottom 40% of the Indian population.
- By offering this extensive coverage, AB PM-JAY seeks to reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs on vulnerable families and improve their access to quality medical care.
Inclusion of AYUSH
- The integration of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) into the Ayushman Bharat scheme represents a strategic expansion of the healthcare services covered under AB PM-JAY.
- The package design, onboarding of AYUSH hospitals, establishment of standard treatment guidelines, clearly defined treatment outcomes, and financial implications are currently under discussion.
- This integration process involves extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including implementing States and Union Territories, to ensure a seamless and effective inclusion of AYUSH practices in the existing healthcare framework.
AYUSH
- AYUSH represents a holistic approach to healthcare, encompassing traditional Indian systems of medicine.
- The inclusion of AYUSH under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is expected to offer a broader range of treatment options to beneficiaries.
- This move acknowledges the growing demand for alternative and traditional medicine, which is deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been widely practiced for centuries.
- The integration of AYUSH will not only diversify the treatment options available under AB PM-JAY but also validate the significance of these traditional practices in modern healthcare.
Public Health and AYUSH: State Responsibility and Central Support
- Public health in India is primarily a State subject, placing the responsibility of ensuring the availability of AYUSH treatments on the respective State and Union Territory governments.
- However, the Central Government, through the Ministry of AYUSH, plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting these traditional systems of medicine.
- The Ministry is implementing the National Ayush Mission (NAM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, in collaboration with State/UT governments.
- This mission aims to develop and promote the AYUSH system across India, ensuring that these traditional practices are accessible and integrated into the broader healthcare system.
AYUSH in Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
- The Central Government has already integrated AYUSH services into the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), which provides healthcare services to central government employees and pensioners.
- Beneficiaries enrolled in CGHS have access to both allopathic and AYUSH treatments, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting holistic healthcare options.
- Currently, CGHS operates 110 AYUSH Wellness Centres across India, along with one Ayurvedic Hospital.
- Additionally, 20 yoga internees provide consultations at various CGHS Wellness Centres, further emphasizing the integration of AYUSH practices within mainstream healthcare services.
Financial Implications and Future Prospects
- The financial implications of integrating AYUSH into AB PM-JAY are significant and require careful consideration.
- The government must ensure that the inclusion of AYUSH does not strain the existing budgetary allocations while providing effective and accessible healthcare to all beneficiaries.
- The success of this integration will depend on the efficient design and implementation of the AYUSH packages, clear guidelines for treatment protocols, and measurable outcomes to track the effectiveness of these traditional systems within the broader healthcare framework.