Till November 25, around 14 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards were issued to senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav noted that approximately 4.5 crore families include beneficiaries in this age group.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Place
AB-PMJAY features a three-tier grievance redressal system across district, state, and national levels. Beneficiaries can register grievances via portals, call centres, or written communication. As of November 25, 98% of the 5,565 grievances received were resolved.
Expanding Healthcare Access
The scheme provides cashless healthcare for 1,961 procedures across 27 specialities, including services like dialysis and joint replacements. States can customize health packages to suit local needs, ensuring tailored healthcare solutions.
Call for State Participation
The Centre urged non-participating states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Delhi to join AB-PMJAY, emphasising the need for inclusivity. With the Model Code of Conduct lifted, senior citizen enrollments under the scheme have resumed.
Addressing Violence Against Healthcare Workers
Existing State Laws Adequate, Says Government
Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel told Parliament that state laws adequately cover minor and serious offences against healthcare workers. She emphasized the primary responsibility lies with states to ensure a safe working environment for medical professionals.
Central Advisory for Healthcare Safety
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has advised hospitals and states to ensure the quick filing of FIRs in cases of violence against healthcare professionals. Measures to enhance workplace security are also being promoted.
National Task Force Report
The Supreme Court’s National Task Force (NTF) has submitted recommendations to address safety concerns for medical professionals, further strengthening efforts to safeguard the healthcare workforce.
Progress in Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
Screening and Diagnosis
Under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM), launched in July 2023, over 4.75 crore individuals have been screened, identifying 0.38% as having the disorder. An additional 12.54 lakh people were identified as carriers.
Support for Patients
Patients receive counselling, pre-marital advice, nutritional supplements, and crisis management support. Hydroxyurea has been included in the National Health Mission’s Essential Drugs list to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
State and Tribal Contributions
Awareness campaigns and mobile medical units focus on remote tribal areas, ensuring vulnerable populations receive timely care and referrals. States are actively implementing mission objectives to combat the disease effectively.
