PM reviews Ayushman Bharat health assurance scheme for the poor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the preparations for the launch of the Centre's flagship health assurance programme - Ayushman Bharat.

The programme is expected to take-off before the 2019 parliamentary election.

The Prime Minister has asked the authorities to mainly target the poor and marginalised sections under this scheme.

Top officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog and PMO briefed the Prime Minister on various aspects of the scheme and the preparations so far, including consultations with the states, for smooth and expeditious roll out of the health assurance programme.

The scheme will provide a cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. It is targeted to cover more than 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.

Last month, on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, the Prime Minister had inaugurated the first 'Health and Wellness Centre' under Ayushman Bharat, in the aspirational district of Bijapur in Chhattisgarh.