On October 29, 2021, NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog released a comprehensive 2021 report titled ‘Health Insurance for India’s Missing Middle’ stating the current situation, existing gaps in the health insurance coverage across the Indian population and offers recommendations to increase health insurance coverage.
- It was launched in the presence of NITI Aayog CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Amitabh Kant and Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal.
Who is ‘Missing middle ‘ in the report?
The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a flagship scheme for Universal Health Coverage, and State Government extension schemes provides comprehensive hospitalization cover to the bottom 50% of the population.
- Around 20% of the population is covered through social health insurance, and private voluntary health insurance.
- The remaining 30% of the population or 400 million individuals (urban and rural areas), devoid of health insurance, is termed as the ‘missing middle’.
Key Points:
i.The report called for the collaboration of government and the private sector to provide health insurance coverage for all.
- The private sector will use its efficiency to reach the missing middle and offer compelling products, while the government will increase consumer awareness, modify regulation for standardized products and consumer protection, among others.
ii.The report highlights the need of low-cost comprehensive health insurance products for the missing middle.
Click here to read full report
Recent Related News:
On 15th September 2021, NITI Aayog in partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and RMI India launched a campaign named “Shoonya” – an initiative to promote the usage of Zero-pollution delivery vehicles among e-commerce companies, fleet aggregators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and logistics companies.
About NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog:
Established– 2015
Chairperson– Prime Minister of India (Currently- Narendra Modi)
Headquarters– New Delhi
