27 Cr Ayushman Cards Issued Across India for Healthcare Facilities: Dr Akshay Jain, MoHFW

Emphasising the objective of the Ayushman Bharat Program, Dr Jain said that it seeks to implement ground-breaking interventions that address the healthcare system as a whole (encompassing preventive, promotion and ambulatory care).

There are 27000 health facilities in India and 27 Cr Ayushman Cards have been issued across India, said Akshay Jain, Joint Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Emphasising the objective of the Ayushman Bharat Program, Dr Jain said that it seeks to implement ground-breaking interventions that address the healthcare system as a whole (encompassing preventive, promotion and ambulatory care).

Moreover, the program aims to offer need-based, comprehensive healthcare, departing from a sectoral approach. Further, Ayushman Bharat encompasses Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs), with 27,000 health facilities fostering healthcare across the country.

Further, Dr Jain observed the Digital Ayushman Act as the key to moving ahead with seamless transaction integration.

He was speaking at the ASSOCHAM 2nd Conference on Lung Cancer- Enabling Innovations in Treatment Pathways held in New Delhi, today.

Segueing into the broader discussions at the conference, health experts delved into the alarming issue of lung cancer. Speaking about it, Dr Yutaro Setoya, team lead, Non-Communicable Diseases, WHO, India, highlighted how 8.1% of cancer-related deaths are attributed to lung cancer.

He mentioned annually, 1 Lakh people are diagnosed with lung cancer and the disease significantly impacts the working-age population. WHO also commends India for its proactive ban on e-cigarettes, he added.

Moreover, Padmashri Prof Dr DS Rana, chairperson, ASSOCHAM, National Healthcare Council and Board of Trustees, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital opined that smoking is directly linked to lung cancer and how it acts as a barrier affecting lung health. Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. About 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to result from smoking, he added

Addressing the need for equitable healthcare, Dr Dipjyoti Das from Assam Cancer Care Foundation outlined efforts to reduce barriers to groundbreaking lung cancer treatments through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers.

Neelima Dwivedi, senior director, External Affairs, MSD Pharmaceuticals stressed that key stakeholders should join hands to curb the risk of most diagnosed cancers.

Dr Sudhir Kalhan, chairperson, ASSOCHAM, National Digital Healthcare Taskforce, said by integrating advanced diagnostics, accessible treatments, education, research, and support services, ASSOCHAM aims to empower both healthcare professionals and patients in their journey toward better lung health.

In September this year, NHA organised ‘Arogya Manthan’ to celebrate five years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and two Years of ABDM. The event saw active participation from distinguished dignitaries, including policymakers from various States and Union Territories (UTs), national healthcare experts, and representatives from academia, think tanks, industry, and media.

Featured Image Courtesy: ASSOCHAM