Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) plays a critical role in ensuring that TB patients have access to high-quality, free treatment in em-panelled hospitals across the country. India, a country with one of the highest burdens of tuberculosis (TB) globally, has embarked on an ambitious journey to eliminate this disease by 2025. Under the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination, the government has introduced several initiatives to tackle TB. Among these,The scheme’s commitment to making India “TB Mukt Bharat” (TB-Free India) is reflected in its wide-reaching and inclusive approach.
Understanding Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide free access to healthcare for the bottom 40% of the Indian population. Under this scheme, over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families—approximately 50 crore individuals—are entitled to a health cover up the amount of 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme covers various medical procedures and treatments, including those related to tuberculosis.
The Fight Against Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in India, accounting for a quarter of the global TB burden. Despite substantial progress in reducing TB incidence and mortality rates, the disease continues to affect millions of Indians, particularly those in marginalised and vulnerable communities. Recognising this, the Indian government has taken a multi-pronged approach to combat TB, combining early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and social support systems.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY plays a pivotal role in this fight by ensuring that TB patients can access timely and high-quality treatment without the burden of financial constraints. The scheme has empanelled over 25,000 hospitals across India, including private and public sector hospitals, where eligible beneficiaries can receive free TB treatment.
High-Quality TB Treatment in Empanelled Hospitals
Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, TB patients have access to a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services, including:
- Free Diagnostic Services: Early diagnosis is critical to effectively managing TB. Empanelled hospitals under PM-JAY provide free diagnostic services, including sputum smear microscopy, chest X-rays, and other relevant tests to detect TB early.
- Free Treatment: The scheme covers the complete course of TB treatment, which includes first-line anti-TB drugs for drug-sensitive TB and second-line drugs for multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. Treatment is provided following the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) guidelines, ensuring standardized and effective care.TB vaccine accelerator council
- Follow-up and Support: Continuous monitoring and follow-up are essential for TB patients to prevent relapse and ensure adherence to the treatment regimen. Under PM-JAY, empanelled hospitals provide regular follow-ups and necessary support, including nutritional and psychological counseling, to ensure holistic care.
How to Avail Free TB Treatment Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
To avail of free TB treatment under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, eligible individuals must have an Ayushman Card. Here’s how to get started:
- Check Eligibility: Individuals can check their eligibility for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY by visiting the official website or calling the helpline number 14555. The eligibility criteria is predominantly based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data for rural and urban areas.
- Create Ayushman Card: Once eligible, individuals can create their Ayushman Card by visiting any empanelled hospital or a Common Service Centre (CSC). The card is essential for availing of free treatment under the scheme.
- Visit an Empanelled Hospital: With the Ayushman Card, individuals can visit any of the empanelled hospitals and receive the required treatment for TB without any out-of-pocket expenses.
Awareness and Outreach: Spreading the Message
To achieve a TB-Free India, it is crucial to spread awareness about the availability of free TB treatment under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. The government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is conducting extensive outreach campaigns to educate the public about TB, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The hashtag campaigns like #TBMuktBharat and #AyushmanCard are part of this broader effort to mobilize the community and encourage TB patients to seek timely medical care.
Conclusion
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY represents a significant step forward in India’s fight against tuberculosis. By providing free, high-quality TB treatment in empanelled hospitals, the scheme ensures that no one is left behind in the quest to make India TB-free. As we move closer to the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, it is imperative that all eligible individuals check their eligibility, create their Ayushman Card, and access the lifesaving treatment available to them. Together, we can achieve a healthier, TB-free India.
For more information visit : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048222
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