ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are responsible for promoting healthcare awareness and providing basic healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant development in the healthcare sector by extending the healthcare cover under Ayushman Bharat to all ASHA and anganwadi workers. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, providing coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are responsible for promoting healthcare awareness and providing basic healthcare services at the grassroots level. Anganwadi workers, on the other hand, focus on maternal and child health services, nutrition, and early childhood education.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme was launched in September 2018 with the aim of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to the vulnerable sections of society. Till December 27 last year, the scheme had already covered 55 crore people belonging to 12 crore families. With the inclusion of ASHA and anganwadi workers, the reach of the scheme will further expand, benefiting more individuals and families.
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, eligible individuals and families can avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals for a wide range of medical conditions. The scheme covers both pre-existing and new illnesses, ensuring that individuals and families are protected from the financial burden of healthcare expenses. The coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year is a significant amount that can help alleviate the financial strain of hospitalisation and medical treatments.