BJP opposes Cong plan to scrap Ayushman scheme

The Chhattisgarh unit of Bharatiya Janata Party has crossed swords with the ruling Congress over the latter's plan to scrap the Centre's Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the state.

The Congress government is likely to come up with another scheme called ‘Universal Health Scheme’.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel gave the indication while interacting with media before leaving for New Delhi on a two-day visit. He said the Ayushman scheme will be replaced by a new health scheme as promised in the Congress election manifesto.

“Health Minister T S Singhdeo is looking into the matter and soon a decision will be taken,” he said.

BJP defends

Former chief minister Raman Singh said, “Ayushman scheme is one of the best health schemes in the country. The state government should not take any decision in haste.”

The Congress party in its assembly election manifesto had promised health for all instead of restricting it to those Below Poverty Line. The proposed new scheme is said to be in par with former US president Barak Obama's healthcare plan for the United States.

The All India Congress Committee is said to be mulling over including "Right to Health" in the party's manifesto for the coming Lok Sabha election.