Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has emerged as a revolutionary initiative in India’s healthcare landscape. Designed to offer health insurance coverage to over 500 million people, the scheme aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for the country’s economically vulnerable populations.
As India observes World Cancer Day, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and combating the deadly disease, the transformative impact of PM-JAY is being lauded across the nation. The scheme has not only eased the financial burden of cancer treatment but also enabled thousands of families to access life-saving medical care.
Success stories of beneficiaries in Gujarat
Jyoti Amit Kumar Shah from Ahmedabad is one of the many beneficiaries who received free treatment under PM-JAY. Sharing his experience, he said, “Initially, I went to a private hospital for treatment. It was expensive, and the surgery did not work out. Later, I benefited from the PM-JAY scheme and am now receiving free treatment here.”
Vivek Singh, another beneficiary, highlighted how the scheme rescued him from crippling medical expenses. “Previously, I conducted tests in private hospitals but didn’t get any results. So, I came here, got the benefits of the PM-JAY scheme, and I am better now. I spent lakhs in private hospitals.”
Kiritbhai Poojabhai Gajjar, who has been receiving treatment at a government hospital for the past six years, praised the scheme for its comprehensive support. “I cannot afford a private hospital. I can’t get better treatment than this in India. We were so tense when this disease was diagnosed, but with the Ayushman card, I got free treatment,” he said.
Widespread impact across Madhya Pradesh
In Bhopal, cancer patients receiving care at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital under Ayushman Bharat are expressing deep gratitude for the scheme. Raghuvar Yadav from Sehore recounted how it helped his son-in-law Dharmendra Yadav. “The entire treatment is being done free of cost under Ayushman Bharat. I thank PM Modi for this; there is no one else like him,” he said.
Cancer patient Bubly echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We are poor, and I was diagnosed with cancer. Without this scheme, we would not have been able to afford treatment. Since PM Modi came to power, everything has changed.”
At Shivpuri Medical College, cancer patients have found renewed hope. Dr. Dheerendra Sachan, an oncologist at the college, highlighted the importance of timely treatment and the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure. “We provide surgery and chemotherapy services. Patients in the fourth stage have been receiving treatment here for the past 5 to 6 years, which is a positive sign,” he noted.
‘Game changer’: Gurugram doctors hail Ayushman Bharat
Doctors at hospitals across the country, including Gurugram, have hailed Ayushman Bharat as a game changer in cancer care. Dr. Dheeraj Gautam explained, “Before, many patients couldn’t afford the investigations needed for early detection, which delayed treatment. Now, Ayushman Bharat makes these crucial tests affordable. Early detection significantly reduces treatment costs and improves survival rates.”
Dr. Nitin Sood, a haematologist, highlighted findings from a recent study published in *The Lancet*, which demonstrated that patients eligible for PM-JAY are more likely to recover due to early diagnosis and treatment. “By eliminating the financial barrier, we’re ensuring more people get diagnosed and treated sooner, which is crucial for better outcomes,” he said.
Aligned with India’s National Health Policy 2017, Ayushman Bharat aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by delivering comprehensive healthcare services. The initiative consists of two major components: Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for preventive and primary care, and PM-JAY, which provides financial coverage for secondary and tertiary treatments, including cancer care.
(Inputs from agencies)
