The nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 has impacted the lives of migrant workers adversely resulting in job loss and other sources of livelihood. In order to gain control over this situation, the Indian government extended its health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for migrant workers facing unemployment, across states.
- In this regard, the implementing agency of AB-PMJAY, National Health Authority (NHA) is coordinating with the states to identify the eligible beneficiaries under the scheme so that e-cards will be issued to them.
- Notably, e-cards will enable migrant workers to get access for treatment at any of the selected hospitals across the country.
Key Points:
-NHA is also working with States to empanel more hospitals, increase bed capacities, onboard testing labs and strengthen overall health infrastructure for covid and non covid treatments to beneficiaries.
-Aleast 80% of the 10.74 crore beneficiary families under PM-JAY are in rural India.
About AB-PMJAY:
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna or PM-JAY is the second component under Ayushman Bharat (AB) scheme apart from Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).
Launched on 23rd September, 2018, it provides health cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (about 53 crore beneficiaries). It is a cashless and paperless scheme implemented by NHA.
CEO of AB-PMJAY and NHA– Dr Indu Bhushan
