CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), launched in 2018, was envisioned as a revolutionary step toward universal health coverage in India. As the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, it promises annual coverage of Rupees 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Despite its far-reaching potential, the scheme is currently encountering significant obstacles in Jharkhand, threatening the continuity of healthcare delivery to millions of beneficiaries.
Overview Of Ayushman Bharat
AB PM-JAY was designed to benefit the economically weaker sections of Indian society by covering hospital expenses for nearly 50 crore individuals, which accounts for the poorest 40% of the population. Eligibility is determined based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. In 2024, the central government further expanded the scheme’s reach by including senior citizens aged 70 years and above under its ambit, making it more inclusive.
Current Situation In Jharkhand
Jharkhand has over 28 lakh registered families under AB PM-JAY, with approximately 750 hospitals empanelled to provide cashless treatment. However, implementation has been hindered by mounting financial challenges. As of now, hospitals across the state are awaiting pending dues amounting to Rupees 190 crore. Some healthcare facilities report that they have not received payments since June 2024, pushing several institutions to either scale back services or withdraw entirely from the scheme.
Delays In Fund Disbursement And Government Responsibilities
The funding model of Ayushman Bharat relies on a 60:40 cost-sharing formula between the Central and State governments. In Jharkhand, delays in releasing the state’s share of funds have contributed to the payment backlog. Many private and smaller hospitals have expressed concerns over their ability to continue operations without timely reimbursements, affecting both service quality and staff salaries.
Fraud Investigations And Administrative Roadblocks
Adding to the financial crisis is an ongoing investigation into fraudulent practices by a group of hospitals. The National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) flagged 212 hospitals for alleged misconduct, including inflated claims and the use of fake beneficiaries, also known as “ghost patients.” Following this, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a probe into these hospitals, resulting in the suspension of all related fund transfers.
While the action is targeted, it has inadvertently disrupted payments to hospitals not involved in any wrongdoing. The blanket halt on disbursements has amplified frustrations within the medical community.
Technological Bottlenecks: HEM 2.0 Portal
The recent transition to HEM 2.0, a revamped digital platform intended to manage hospital empanelment and claims processing, has also contributed to the delays. While designed to improve transparency and efficiency, stakeholders report that the new system lacks necessary functionalities, leading to frequent technical glitches and slow processing times.
The portal uses a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) model for payment clearance, but with a growing number of claims in the backlog, it has become increasingly difficult for hospitals to track the status of their payments. Consequently, even legitimate claims are trapped in procedural red tape.
Political Repercussions And Public Outcry
The situation has escalated into a political flashpoint in Jharkhand. The opposition has accused the state government of poor governance and financial mismanagement, holding it accountable for the deterioration in healthcare services. In response, the ruling coalition insists that the suspension of payments is a necessary measure until the fraud investigations are concluded. The impasse underscores the delicate balance between accountability, service delivery, and political narrative in public health management.
Impact On Healthcare Infrastructure
The strain on hospitals has begun to affect patient care directly. With cash flow disrupted, many facilities are unable to pay salaries, procure medicines, or maintain critical infrastructure. Several have discontinued services for Ayushman Bharat patients, while others are on the verge of shutting down.
The consequences are severe for the economically disadvantaged population, which depends heavily on this scheme for accessing affordable and timely medical care. Without swift intervention, the very foundation of universal health coverage in the state may be undermined.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
