The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has been a game-changer in India’s healthcare system, providing free secondary and tertiary care to millions. However, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has highlighted some key gaps that need urgent attention:
1️. Lack of OPD (Outpatient Department) services
2️. Limited post-hospitalization medication coverage
3️. Need for better fraud detection and monitoring
Why Include OPD Services? 🏥💊
Currently, Ayushman Bharat focuses only on inpatient treatments, which means people need to be admitted to a hospital to get financial support. However, most healthcare needs come from OPD visits, such as:
✔ Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
✔ Common illnesses like fever, infections, and skin diseases
✔ Regular check-ups and follow-ups after hospitalization
Without OPD coverage, patients either delay treatment or pay out of pocket, increasing their financial burden. The committee suggests a phased approach to include essential OPD services, starting with chronic disease management.
Why Expand Post-Hospitalization Medication? 💊🩺
Currently, AB-PMJAY only covers medicines for 15 days after hospitalization. However, many serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer, or organ transplants require long-term medication.
Extending medication support would:
🔹 Reduce out-of-pocket expenses for poor patients
🔹 Ensure better recovery and prevent complications
🔹 Improve overall healthcare outcomes
Stronger Monitoring to Prevent Misuse 🕵️♂️📊
To ensure fair use of Ayushman Bharat funds, the committee recommends a proactive, AI-powered fraud detection system. This system should:
📊 Analyze hospital data for unusual claims
📌 Monitor patient feedback to detect false billing
🚨 Identify and prevent fraud before it happens
By using Artificial Intelligence and digital tools, the government can ensure that only deserving patients receive benefits, keeping the scheme transparent and effective.
Cancer Day Care Centres: A Much-Needed Step 🎗️🏥
The committee also supports Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement to set up daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 centres planned for 2025-26.
🔹 Chemotherapy services in Day Care Centres
🔹 Dedicated medical professionals and nurses for cancer treatment
🔹 Reducing the burden on district hospitals
Cancer patients will no longer have to travel long distances for treatment, ensuring easier access and timely care.
Making NCD Screening a Priority 🩸🔬
With the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, the committee recommends:
✔ Mandatory screening for people aged 30+
✔ Integration of NCD screening under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPNCD)
✔ Increased awareness and early detection of diseases
By making regular screening a part of Ayushman Bharat, doctors can diagnose diseases early and improve survival rates.
Support the Improvement of Ayushman Bharat!
The government is taking positive steps to improve healthcare, but we need to push for faster implementation.
📢 Doctors, policymakers, and healthcare workers must advocate for:
✅ OPD services in Ayushman Bharat
✅ Extended post-hospitalization medication coverage
✅ Strong AI-based fraud monitoring
✅ Better cancer care & NCD screening
🔴 Healthcare should be accessible and comprehensive for all! Share this information and be part of the movement for a better Ayushman Bharat. 💙🏥
To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur
