Synopsis
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is significantly improving cancer treatment access in India, reducing financial burdens for vulnerable populations, according to experts on World Cancer Day.Key Takeaways
- AB PM-JAY significantly eases financial strain on cancer patients.
- Timely initiation of cancer treatment has increased by 36% due to the scheme.
- The program covers treatment costs up to 5 lakh rupees annually.
- Nationwide portability allows access to empanelled hospitals.
- Over 85.97 million patients have benefitted from the scheme.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has emerged as a crucial intervention in India's healthcare system, especially concerning cancer treatment, as noted by experts on World Cancer Day today.
World Cancer Day is commemorated annually on February 4. This year's theme is United by Unique, emphasizing that every individual has a unique narrative, set of requirements, viewpoints, and situations that should be acknowledged.
“The AB PM-JAY has remarkably alleviated the financial strain on patients, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who frequently encounter devastating healthcare costs due to cancer. This initiative has transformed evidence-based cancer care for low-income individuals into a feasible option, enabling them to seek treatment without financial anxiety,” stated Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS, Delhi, in an interview with IANS.
A report published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia indicated that AB PM-JAY has enhanced the likelihood of timely cancer treatment initiation in India by 36 percent, underscoring the positive effects of the scheme in facilitating patient access to affordable cancer care.
Launched in 2018, AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance program, designed to provide health coverage to 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore economically vulnerable families.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is extremely beneficial for underprivileged patients, as the government finances up to 5 lakh rupees for treatment annually.
This program also offers nationwide portability, enabling beneficiaries to receive treatment at any empanelled hospital across India.
According to the latest government statistics, approximately 31,077 public and private hospitals are registered under PM-JAY.
“The Ayushman Bharat scheme includes a vast array of procedures, encompassing the latest chemotherapy options, surgical interventions, and advanced interventional radiology techniques for cancer care. Within the sphere of interventional radiology, we can provide services such as chemoembolisation, ablations, biopsies, and stenting procedures, which have greatly aided numerous patients,” explained Dr. Puneet Garg, Vascular Interventional Radiologist and Endovascular Surgeon at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, to IANS.
Recent government data reveal that over 85.97 million individuals have benefited from free treatments valued at Rs 1.2 lakh crore under PM-JAY. This scheme offers financial security to underprivileged rural families and also identifies occupational categories for urban workers’ families.
“The majority of our patients hail from economically challenged backgrounds and are unable to afford treatment. However, government initiatives have granted these individuals access to necessary medical care, including interventional radiological therapies, systemic therapies, and, in some cases, even liver transplants. These measures have substantially enhanced treatment accessibility for those in need,” stated Dr. Ranjan Kumar Patel, Assistant Professor, Department of Radio Diagnosis, AIIMS, during his conversation with IANS.
