PM-JAY has helped states improve health outcomes: Eco Survey

The health outcome of states that adopted the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) improved when compared to those that did not, according to the Economic Survey 2020-21.

States that adopted the PM-JAY experienced greater penetration of health insurance and a reduction in infant and child mortality rates, as well as realised improved access and utilisation of family planning services, and greater awareness about HIV/AIDS, it said.

The proportion of households with health insurance increased by 54 per cent in states that implemented PM-JAY, a scheme that was launched in 2018. This proportion fell 10 per cent in states that did not implement the scheme, the survey said.

The proportion of households that had health insurance increased in Bihar, Assam and Sikkim from 2015-16 to 2019-20 by 89 per cent, while it decreased by 12 per cent over the same period in West Bengal, a state that did not implement PM-JAY, it added.

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According to the survey, even though only a short time has elapsed since its introduction, the effects identified with it underscore the potential of the programme to significantly alter the health landscape in the country, especially for the vulnerable sections.

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The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) to provide healthcare access to the most vulnerable sections in the country was approved by the Indian government in 2018. Beneficiaries included approximately 50 crore individuals across 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families.

As per the latest annual report of PM-JAY, released by the National Health Authority, 32 states and Union Territories have implemented the scheme and treatment worth ₹   7,490 crore has been provided. As many as 24,215 hospitals are empanelled under the scheme, the survey said.