Ayushman Bharat: Karnataka among states not on board

Seven non-BJP states including Karnataka are still not on-board with the Union Health Ministry's ambitious Ayushman Bharat programme in which Rs 5 lakh medical insurance would be provided to 10.74 crore families.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Delhi, Odisha and Telangana are the six other states which so far have not joined the scheme.

While talks were on, sources said that Odisha and Telangana were unlikely to be a part of the programme any time soon.

On Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana would be formally launched on September 25— the birth anniversary of BJP ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Till then pilot projects will be conducted in more than 100 districts in 16 states to check the information technology backbone that has been created to support what is being dubbed as the world's biggest medical insurance scheme.

A dedicated website, smartphone application and a call centre (helpline no 14555) will be operational by September 5.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday said Ayushman Bharat funds would go straight to an escrow account maintained by the respective State Health Agency rather than going to the general pool.

The National Health Agency incorporated in May 2018 will run the scheme.

More than 1,300 medical procedures have been approved under Ayushman Bharat and 50% of these procedures are pre-authorised.

“Patients wouldn't have to spend more than half an hour (to start treatment),” he said.

Drugs and diagnostics that are required three days prior to hospitalisation and 15 days post discharge would be covered under the scheme.

Nearly 85% of rural area beneficiaries and 60% urban area beneficiaries have been identified on the basis of the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census.

Beginning at September 25, all of these families belonging to poor and marginalised section of the society would receive an intimation letter, each carrying a unique QR code.

While seeking the treatment at a hospital, a member of the family has to produce the letter along with any other government identification card including Aadhar.

There is no enrollment procedure and no fees to be charged, Nadda assured, countering false claims made by mischief makers.