Why in news?

The Government has announced two major initiatives in health sector, as part of newly announced Ayushman Bharat programme.

What are the provisions?

• The programme is aimed at making interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems.
• The initiatives under the programme are:

1. Health and Wellness Centre
2. National Health Protection Scheme

• Health and Wellness Centre - National Health Policy, 2017 envisioned Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of India’s health system.
• Under this, 1.5 lakh centres will bring health care system closer to the homes of people.
• The centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. 
• These will also provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services.
• Contribution of private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged.
• National Health Protection Scheme - This will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.
• This would translate to around 50 crore beneficiaries.
• The scheme provides coverage of upto Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. 
• This is said to be the world’s largest government funded health care programme.
• Besides, 24 new Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals will be set up, by up-grading existing district hospitals in the country.
• This would ensure that there is at least 1 Medical College for every 3 Parliamentary Constituencies.
• Also, at least 1 Government Medical College in each State of the country.
• This is to further enhance accessibility of quality medical education and health care.

What is the significance?

• Lakhs of families, at present, borrow or sell assets to receive inpatient treatment.
• The concern of the consequent impoverishment of poor and vulnerable families is a continuing one.
• Under the existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), poor families get an annual coverage of Rs. 30,000.
• Several State governments have implemented or supplemented health protection schemes that provide varying coverage.
• The present initiatives will supplement these in taking health care to a larger mass.
• Higher health insurance cover is also seen as leading to a higher life expectancy.
• The scheme could potentially ensure enhanced productivity and well being, averting wage loss and impoverishment.

Source: The Hindu