Independence Day 2018: What is Ayushman Bharat? All about the world's largest government-funded scheme

On the Eve of 72nd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his flagship programme, Ayushman Bharat Scheme while addressing the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi. The National Health Programme scheme is a world's biggest government-funded project that will be launched on September 25, on the birth anniversary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme was announced by the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in February during the last full budget of the NDA-led BJP government. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or National Health Protection Scheme aims to cover over 10 crore vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries). The scheme also aims to provide health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.

Who is covered under Ayushman Bharat scheme or NHPS?

The scheme aims to target over 10 crore families based on SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) database. However, there will be no cap on family size and age in ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme. This step by the Centre is to ensure that nobody from the vulnerable group is left out. The insurance scheme will cover pre and also post-hospitalisation expenses.

How will the finances of Ayushman Bharat Scheme be covered?

As per Indian Express report, the expenditure incurred in the premium payment will be shared between Central and State Governments in a specified ratio. The finances will be shared into 60:40 ratio for all states and UTs with their own legislature. While 90:10 in Northeast states and the three Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand. The finances of UTs without legislature will be shared 100% by the Central government. The states are also free to continue with their own health programmes.