Parliamentary Push for Enhanced Healthcare Coverage Under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY

A parliamentary committee recommends expanding the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme to include essential OPD services and extend post-hospitalisation medication coverage. The proposals aim to bridge healthcare gaps, reduce financial burdens, and incorporate technology for proactive monitoring to ensure the scheme's effectiveness and transparency.

A parliamentary committee has urged the phased inclusion of essential outpatient services and broader post-hospitalisation medication coverage under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY.

Recognizing the scheme's primary focus on secondary and tertiary inpatient care, the committee noted a significant gap in accessible healthcare due to the exclusion of routine OPD services and limited medication coverage after hospitalisation.

To address this, the committee proposed starting with essential outpatient services and extending medication coverage past 15 days for conditions requiring prolonged treatment. The panel also advocated for a data-driven monitoring system by the National Health Authority to detect potential misuse, leveraging AI and digital tools for timely intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)