By: Aditya Ahuja
In a landmark effort aimed at extending healthcare services to the farthest corners of India, President Droupadi Murmu virtually launched the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ campaign and the Ayushman Bhava Portal from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on September 13, 2023. This initiative strives to reach the remotest parts of the country, making healthcare accessible to every individual.
Health Screening Milestone: Over 16 Crore Screened for 7 Diseases
Since the launch on September 17, 2023, more than 16 crore individuals have undergone screenings for seven types of diseases, encompassing TB, hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and cataracts. Notably, 1,12,87,779 people received free screenings for these ailments during the week ending December 10, 2023.
Health Melas: Facilitating Access and Awareness
To enhance access to Ayushman Cards, generate ABHA IDs, and raise awareness about crucial health schemes and conditions, health melas have been established across various regions since September 17, 2023. These health camps aim to educate citizens about flagship government schemes, raise awareness, and directly deliver welfare program benefits to the populace.
Extensive Outreach and Impact of Health Melas
During the week from December 4, 2023, to December 10, 2023, a staggering count of 73,963 Ayushman Arogya Mandir Health Melas were organized, contributing to a cumulative total of 11,48,855 melas since the campaign’s inception. These gatherings collectively attracted a footfall of 8,25,14,633 individuals, with 58,85,737 attendees reported by December 10, 2023.
Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Card Generation
Under Community Health Centers (CHCs), 32,792 health melas have been successfully conducted so far, engaging a total of 1,30,39,084 individuals. Notably, 34,49,204 Ayushman Cards have been issued at these health melas, with an additional 27,023 cards generated by December 10, 2023. The ABHA (Health ID) cards have reached a cumulative figure of 40,81,135.
Last Mile Healthcare Access
The ‘Ayushman Bhav’ initiative aims to ensure comprehensive healthcare services in every village or town, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to reaching the remotest areas and providing healthcare accessibility to all segments of society. The initiative includes a range of interventions, focusing on extensive healthcare outreach and eventual saturation of health services in every Gram/Nagar Panchayat or Urban Ward, turning them into ‘Ayushman Panchayats’ or ‘Ayushman Urban Wards’.
