Ayushman Bharat Diwas, also known as Ayushman Bharat Divas or National Health Protection Day, is an annual observance in India celebrated on April 30th. The day commemorates the launch of the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which is the world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme aimed at providing financial protection to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged families against catastrophic health expenses.
Here are some key points about Ayushman Bharat Diwas:
1. Origin and Purpose: Ayushman Bharat Diwas was inaugurated in 2018 to mark the anniversary of the launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme by the Government of India. The scheme was launched with the vision of ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all citizens, particularly those belonging to the economically weaker sections of society.
2. Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): AB-PMJAY is a flagship health insurance scheme under the Ayushman Bharat program, which aims to provide health coverage to over 500 million people, making it one of the largest such schemes globally. It provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless access to medical treatment for specified hospitalization expenses, covering a wide range of secondary and tertiary care procedures, including surgeries and therapies.
3. Objectives: The primary objectives of Ayushman Bharat Diwas are to raise awareness about the Ayushman Bharat scheme, its benefits, and coverage, and to promote access to quality healthcare services among eligible beneficiaries. The day also serves as an opportunity to highlight the achievements, challenges, and future goals of the scheme in improving healthcare outcomes and financial protection for vulnerable populations.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Ayushman Bharat Diwas is marked by various awareness campaigns, outreach activities, and public events organized by the government, healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders across India. These campaigns aim to educate people about the benefits and entitlements under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the process of enrollment, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
5. Health Camps and Screenings: On Ayushman Bharat Diwas, health camps, medical screenings, and diagnostic services may be organized in underserved communities, rural areas, and urban slums to provide healthcare services directly to the doorstep of beneficiaries. These initiatives help identify health issues early, facilitate referrals for specialized care, and promote preventive healthcare practices.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations: Ayushman Bharat Diwas encourages partnerships and collaborations between the government, private sector healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations to expand the reach and impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Collaborative efforts are essential for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving service delivery, and addressing gaps in healthcare access and quality.
7. Recognition and Appreciation: Ayushman Bharat Diwas provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of healthcare professionals, frontline workers, insurance providers, and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Their dedication and efforts are essential for the successful execution of the scheme and the delivery of quality healthcare services to beneficiaries across India.
Overall, Ayushman Bharat Diwas serves as a platform to reaffirm the government's commitment to universal healthcare coverage and to mobilize collective action towards achieving the vision of "Health for All" in India. By promoting awareness, access, and equity in healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to improve health outcomes and enhance the well-being of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society.