Modi Govt Unveils 100-Day Health Agenda: Expanded Ayushman Bharat & Digitized Vaccination

A key highlight of the agenda is the extension of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to cover all citizens aged 70 years and above.

The Narendra Modi-led government has unveiled a robust 100-day agenda for the Union Health Ministry, targeting significant expansions in healthcare coverage and the digitization of vaccination records.

This agenda, announced shortly after JP Nadda took charge of the ministry, underscores the government's commitment to advancing public health infrastructure and accessibility.

A key highlight of the agenda is the extension of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to cover all citizens aged 70 years and above.

This expansion is poised to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to a vulnerable population segment, ensuring access to quality medical services without financial strain.

The initiative also includes incorporating the transgender community into the scheme, as promised in the BJP's Lok Sabha poll manifesto released in April.

Digitizing Routine Vaccinations with U-WIN Portal

Another major initiative is the nationwide rollout of the U-WIN portal, which aims to digitize routine immunization records.

Currently, in a pilot phase across selected districts in each state, the U-WIN platform is designed to maintain an electronic registry of vaccination events for children and pregnant women under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).

This system is linked with the Co-WIN COVID-19 vaccination platform, allowing easy access to beneficiary records using registered mobile numbers.

The new agenda also includes the launch of the National Health Claims Exchange.

This platform aims to streamline the processing of health insurance claims, ensure interoperability among different systems, and facilitate faster claim settlement.

This initiative is expected to reduce administrative burdens and enhance the efficiency of health insurance services.

Innovative Healthcare Delivery Using Drones

In a move to leverage technology for healthcare delivery, the government plans to use drones to transport medical essentials to difficult terrains from AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance.

This innovative approach is anticipated to significantly improve access to critical medical supplies in remote areas, ensuring timely delivery and potentially saving lives.

Another priority is providing cashless treatment services to ex-servicemen. This measure aims to recognize and support the healthcare needs of those who have served the nation, offering them easier access to medical services without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

Facilitating Business & Strengthening Health Infrastructure

The agenda also emphasizes ease of doing business in the health sector, including the 'tatkal' issuance of licenses or registrations for select food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Moreover, it includes the deployment of Arogya Maitri Cubes in central government hospitals to enhance emergency response capabilities.

The government has also proposed providing financial support to Banaras Hindu University's Institute of Medical Sciences, aiming to develop it on par with AIIMS.

This support is expected to boost the institute's capacity and capabilities, contributing to the overall enhancement of medical education and services in the region.

Creating a National Medical Register

Efforts are also underway to establish the National Medical Register, a centralized database of practicing doctors in India.

The register will assign unique identification numbers to all doctors by the end of 2024, facilitating better regulation and monitoring of medical practice nationwide. A pilot project for this initiative is currently in progress.

The Modi government's 100-day health agenda reflects a comprehensive approach to strengthening healthcare delivery, ensuring inclusivity, and integrating digital solutions for better health outcomes.

The government aims to build a more resilient and efficient healthcare system for all citizens by focusing on these critical areas.