UP Ranks 1st with MP, Maha Trailing in Ayushman Card Registrations

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra trail Uttar Pradesh, securing the second and third positions, respectively, followed by Gujarat.

Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has secured first spot by issuing 5.03 Cr Ayushman cards. The state is among the top five states with the highest number of Ayushman card registrations as revealed by the National Health Authority (NHA).

Following Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra secured the second and third positions, with 3.97 Cr and 2.70 Cr Ayushman cards, respectively. Gujarat bagged the fifth position with 2.50 Cr cards, reflecting a nationwide effort to expand healthcare coverage.

Interestingly, Bihar has ascended to the fourth position among states with the highest number of Ayushman cards, registering 2.52 Cr enrollments within 21 days of launching a special drive to create Ayushman Cards at ration shops.

This surge underscores the effectiveness of the state government's initiative to create Ayushman Cards, providing access to essential healthcare services for a significant portion of the population.

Under the NDA government, Bihar seeks to ensure universal healthcare coverage by extending the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all ration card holders.

The Bihar government, in February, decided to extend the benefit of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all ration card holders of the state. Following this, in March, deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary announced that all ration card holders will now receive free medical treatment up to INR 5 Lakh annually.

"All ration card holders covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) get 5 kg of rice, and now, they will avail of free treatment up to INR 5 Lakh every year," Deputy CM said.

Uttar Pradesh Leads the Way

Uttar Pradesh emerges as the frontrunner in implementing the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, having issued 5.03 Cr Ayushman cards.

By emphasizing the issuance of Ayushman cards to those in need, Uttar Pradesh seeks to ensure that economically disadvantaged individuals can avail themselves of treatment in private hospitals, enhancing their overall well-being.

"CM Yogi emphasizes the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of every individual in Uttar Pradesh. He consistently directs officials to prioritize the issuance of Ayushman cards to those in need. As a result, today, every economically disadvantaged individual in the state can access treatment in private hospitals," as per a press release from the CMO.

Maharashtra, MP, & Gujarat Follow Suit

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra trail Uttar Pradesh, securing the second and third positions, respectively, with 3.97 Cr and 2.70 Cr Ayushman cards.

While Gujarat secured the fifth position, with 2.50 Cr Ayushman cards, reflecting a nationwide effort to expand healthcare coverage.

Reportedly, eleven states have surpassed the significant milestone of one crore Ayushman card holders, signifying the widespread adoption of the flagship scheme by the National Health Authority (NHA).

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, spearheaded by the National Health Authority (NHA), aims to provide comprehensive health coverage of INR 5 Lakh per family per year to 12 Cr beneficiary families.

Ayushman card creation stands as a fundamental activity under the scheme, ensuring that every beneficiary has access to essential healthcare services. Efforts are underway to streamline the process and facilitate broader participation across the country.

Inclusion of ASHA & Anganwadi Workers

In a significant announcement during the Union Budget 2024-25, the Government of India expanded health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and Anganwadi workers and helpers.

This decision reflects the government's recognition of the vital role played by frontline healthcare workers in promoting community health and awareness.

While no specific budget allocation was earmarked, the previous budget allocated INR 7,200 Cr for FY24 to support healthcare initiatives. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry received a total allocation of INR 88,956 Cr in FY24, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and access.

With the rapid expansion of Ayushman card registrations in Bihar, coupled with the comprehensive coverage provided by the Ayushman Bharat scheme across various states, the government aims to ensure the adoption of universal healthcare access.

With continued efforts to streamline processes and expand coverage, the Ayushman Bharat scheme is poised to make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes for millions of individuals across the country.