Kulgam, Feb 26: Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), along with its extension, PM-JAY SEHAT, has breathed new life into families previously unable to access quality healthcare services, particularly those living hand-to-mouth.
According to data available with Rising Kashmir, 60,000 patients have benefited across empanelled hospitals, out of which 28,000 received benefits within the medical jurisdiction of the district. The 28,000 patients who received benefits within the district have collectively saved Rs 24.35 crore.
AB-PMJAY) is a flagship program launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, at Ranchi, to provide coverage up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year.
To extend the benefits of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to all residents of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a scheme named AB PM-JAY SEHAT was launched by the Prime Minister of India on December 26, 2020.
Dr Gulzar Ahmad, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital (DH) and Incharge Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, said the district has been proactive in registering residents and providing them with golden cards, successfully achieving 100% family-wise saturation in registration/provision of golden cards. He added that 90 percent saturation in individual registration of golden cards has been achieved so far.
More than one lakh PVC golden cards have been distributed among the beneficiaries, with ongoing efforts to achieve 100% saturation in the distribution and registration of golden cards in the district, he said. “The card has been a boon for residents across J&K, and people now recognize it as an important document or card to possess. In this regard, we are making every effort to ensure all residents in the district are covered under this scheme to avail the maximum benefit,” he added.
Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Damhal Hanjipora, told Rising Kashmir that they had to undergo surgery for one of their elderly family members, which would have otherwise incurred significant expenses. “With the golden card, we received all the necessary medical care free of charge, ensuring high-quality healthcare that would have otherwise been incredibly challenging to afford,” he said.
