The central government is preparing to give a big gift in the coming month of October. The expanded Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will be launched, which will include all people aged 70 years and above. Irrespective of their socio-economic status. Union Health Minister JP Nadda gave this information on Friday. He said that about 6 crore citizens of about 4.5 crore families will benefit from this expanded scheme to be launched in October.
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves. They will not have to share this with other family members below the age of 70. The ministry clarified that senior citizens aged 70 years and above who are covered under private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme will be eligible to receive benefits under AB PM-JAY. However, those who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes like Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) can choose either their existing scheme or AB PM-JAY.
Preparation of online vaccine management portal U-WIN
PM Modi will also launch the online vaccine management portal U-WIN in October, which is currently being operated on a pilot basis. This portal has been created to keep a permanent digital record of vaccinations and medicines for pregnant women as well as children from birth to the age of 17 years. The Health Minister said, ‘This portal will work in 11 regional languages and can be used by anyone. It will also have a self-registration facility and automatic message alerts. JP Nadda informed that till September 16, 6.46 crore beneficiaries had registered on the portal. 1.04 crore vaccination sessions were organized and 23.06 crore vaccines were administered. Nadda gave this information while addressing a press conference on the occasion of completion of 100 days of the third term of the Modi government.
(With agency input)
