India offers a range of government healthcare schemes that provide free treatment for families across various states. With coverage up to Rs 5 lakh, these programs aim to make medical care affordable and accessible to millions of citizens. From the nationwide Ayushman Bharat scheme to state-specific programs like Delhi Arogya Kosh and West Bengal’s Swasthya Sathi, these initiatives are transforming healthcare accessibility. Let’s dive into these schemes and how they benefit the common man.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: India’s Flagship Health Scheme
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), launched in 2018, has become a major pillar of India’s healthcare system. Celebrating its sixth anniversary in 2024, this scheme provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. The coverage extends to hospitalization, surgery, diagnostics, and medical treatments in empaneled hospitals.
So far, 35 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, with over 7.8 crore hospital admissions recorded under this scheme. The National Health Authority reports that beneficiaries have saved Rs 1.07 lakh crore on medical bills, a massive relief for families struggling with healthcare costs.
Ayushman Bharat is active across 33 states and union territories, excluding Delhi, West Bengal, and Odisha. Its impact is particularly significant in Uttar Pradesh, where over 5 crore golden cards have been issued, helping millions receive free medical care. The scheme also provides cashless and paperless healthcare services across more than 30,000 empaneled hospitals in India.
In a recent expansion, the government extended coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income. This will benefit 4.5 crore families, offering them the same Rs 5 lakh insurance cover under PM-JAY.
Delhi Arogya Kosh Scheme: Free Health Cover for Citizens of Delhi
For residents of Delhi, the Arogya Kosh Scheme offers comprehensive healthcare coverage. Any Delhi resident with a valid voter ID can access free treatment under this scheme. This includes diagnostics, surgeries, and implants, with the Delhi government covering expenses up to Rs 5 lakh.
What sets Delhi Arogya Kosh apart is its flexibility. If government hospitals have a waiting period of more than 30 days, citizens can avail treatment in private hospitals, with the Delhi government bearing the cost. This ensures timely care without compromising on quality.
Another unique feature is the free treatment for road accident victims in private hospitals. Anyone injured in a road accident in Delhi can receive immediate care without worrying about hospital bills, which are covered under this scheme.
Swasthya Sathi Scheme: West Bengal’s Health Coverage
In West Bengal, the Swasthya Sathi Scheme provides free healthcare services to residents. Like Ayushman Bharat, Swasthya Sathi offers Rs 5 lakh health coverage per family per year, but with some additional features tailored to the state’s population.
One of the key highlights of the scheme is that all pre-existing conditions are covered, ensuring that even those with chronic illnesses or long-term conditions can receive treatment. The scheme operates on a paperless, cashless, and smart card-based system, making it user-friendly and efficient.
Moreover, there is no limit to the size of the family covered under Swasthya Sathi. Both sets of parents (husband and wife’s parents) and all physically dependent family members are included in the coverage. This broad scope helps families ensure comprehensive care for every member, making it one of the most inclusive health schemes in India.
The entire cost of this scheme is borne by the West Bengal government, and eligible beneficiaries don’t have to contribute financially.
Odisha’s Journey to Joining Ayushman Bharat
Odisha, one of the few states yet to fully implement Ayushman Bharat, is now on the verge of joining the scheme. Reports suggest that the Odisha government is preparing to sign an agreement with the National Health Authority, which would allow the state’s residents to access Ayushman Bharat’s benefits.
Once Odisha is on board, only Delhi and West Bengal will remain outside the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Odisha’s inclusion in this nationwide health coverage plan will extend the benefits of PM-JAY to millions more, helping the state align with India’s broader healthcare goals.
The Scope of Ayushman Bharat: Expanding Health Coverage
One of the most significant milestones for Ayushman Bharat came in August 2024, when the scheme was expanded to include senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their financial background. This decision is expected to bring 6 crore senior citizens under the scheme’s protective cover, further widening its reach.
The government has also continuously updated its Health Benefits Package under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring that cashless services are provided for 1949 medical procedures, including general medicine, surgery, and specialized treatments like oncology and cardiology. These services are available in 27 speciality centers across India, ensuring advanced medical care is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
Health Benefits for Millions
With over 35 crore Ayushman cards distributed and 1.07 lakh crore saved by beneficiaries, the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is undoubtedly a game-changer in Indian healthcare. It is especially critical for the economically weaker sections, providing a lifeline to those who otherwise couldn’t afford medical treatment.
Schemes like Delhi Arogya Kosh and Swasthya Sathi complement this initiative by offering similar benefits at the state level, ensuring that even in regions where Ayushman Bharat isn’t implemented, citizens still have access to vital healthcare services.
As Odisha prepares to join Ayushman Bharat, it marks another step forward in India’s mission to provide universal health coverage, fulfilling the vision of making healthcare affordable and accessible to all.
