Revamping Ayushman Bharat: Expanding Coverage and Streamlining Costs

A parliamentary committee has proposed lowering the age criterion for Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards from 70 to 60 years to widen the scope of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The committee also recommends increasing annual healthcare coverage to Rs 10 lakh per family and incorporating high-cost treatments and diagnostics.

In a significant move aimed at broadening healthcare access, a parliamentary committee has recommended lowering the age limit for Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards to 60 years, promoting wider eligibility within the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

To amplify the scheme's impact, the committee suggests doubling the current healthcare coverage from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh annually per family. It also advocates the inclusion of high-cost procedures and advanced diagnostics in the package offerings.

Recognizing the scheme's growth, the panel stressed the importance of addressing fund underutilization and state-level implementation hurdles to ensure efficient resource allocation and healthcare delivery.

(With inputs from agencies.)