Pune: The combined central and state government initiative, Ayushman Bharat Scheme, now provides health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh. Dr. Omprakash Shete, the state head of the Ayushman Bharat Mission, urged citizens to obtain their scheme card on July 19.

The scheme covers 1,356 diseases for free, including white, saffron, and yellow ration cardholders. Dr. Shete advised that complaints should be filed if hospitals refuse to provide treatment.

Dr. Shete provided an overview of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in a review meeting. He said, “Previously, the state government’s Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojana were combined to implement this scheme. Beneficiaries will now receive insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh.

The scheme is operational in 68 hospitals in Pune district, including 12 private hospitals, with plans to include more hospitals soon.”

Addressing the issue of hospitals not responding to the Ayushman Bharat card, Dr. Shete said, “This was the situation before, but it will no longer be the case. The rates fixed by the government for medical treatments were very low, causing these issues. Now, the rates have been increased by 20 to 25 percent.”

Number of Beneficiaries to Increase:

The new scheme now includes yellow, white, and saffron ration card holders. Previously, the number of beneficiaries in Pune district was fixed at 38 lakh.

With the inclusion of everyone, the number of beneficiaries in Pune district is now determined to be 63 lakh. Additionally, accident insurance coverage up to ₹1 lakh is also provided under this scheme, with fewer required documents and a simplified process.

Dedicated Ayushman Bharat Sections

Hospitals implementing this scheme have a dedicated Ayushman Bharat section. Citizens can visit these sections to get information about the diseases covered under the scheme. If the hospital refuses to provide treatment, citizens should file a complaint, advised Dr. Shete.