Ayushman Bharat: Telangana out of scheme for time being

Telangana has not joined the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) - Ayushman Bharat ‘as of now’ and would continue to implement its health scheme, official sources said.

One of the reasons for not joining it for the time being was because the state’s Aarogyasri scheme covers nearly 80 lakh families, official sources said.

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“We already have the Aarogyasri scheme. As of now Telangana is not participating in the (central government’s) scheme,” they told PTI.

The Prime Minister on Sunday launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) - Ayushman Bharat in Ranchi, Jharkhand. PM Modi termed the health programme as a 'game changer' and said it was a huge step in serving the poor people of India.

Asked when the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme would be implemented in Telangana, the official said “as of now Aarogyasri scheme will continue,” adding Telangana’s health coverage model is a robust programme.

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The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan (PMJAY) aims to provide a coverage of Rs five lakh per family annually, benefiting more than 10 crore poor families. Eligible people can avail the benefits in the government and listed private hospitals.

The prime minister also congratulated the team of experts that was instrumental in implementing the scheme. Modi also laid the foundation stones of medical colleges at Chaibasa and Koderma in Ranchi. The healthcare scheme will provide top medical assistance to the deprived families and aims to give coverage of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 crore to the economically backward families.

PM Modi had announced the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana on 72nd Independence Day by saying, “Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan will be launched on September 25 this year. It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get proper access to good quality and affordable healthcare”.