AYUSH ministry to include ayurveda treatment in Ayushman Bharat scheme
The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) will soon incorporate ayurveda treatment packages into the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme. This marks the first time traditional treatments like ayurveda, unani, siddha, homeopathy and naturopathy will be included in the scheme. The initiative aims to expand access to holistic and preventive healthcare through these traditional systems.
Ayurvedic packages to cover wide range of ailments
The ayurvedic packages, which include medicines, treatment centers, wellness programs and operative procedures, will cover ailments ranging from common cold to cancer. The new ayurvedic packages will also cover non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. A total of 170 such packages are ready for implementation under the AB-PMJAY scheme. These treatments will be provided as part of indoor Panchakarma services, including stay, diet advice and yoga sessions, India Today reported.
Final discussions with insurers, cost finalization underway
Final discussions are currently being held with insurance companies to ensure a smooth integration of these ayurvedic packages into the AB-PMJAY scheme. The National Health Authority (NHA) has already finalized the cost of these packages, keeping them affordable for the public. A strategic purchasing committee has been established to finalize cost structures for these treatments, further streamlining the process and maintaining affordability.
Ayushman Bharat scheme to offer wider range of treatments
The AB-PMJAY scheme currently offers cashless health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. In addition to the ayurvedic packages, AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced plans to establish special medical stores at the tehsil level. These stores, similar to 'Janaushadhi Kendras,' will ensure easy access to AYUSH medications. "Access to variety of herbal and traditional medicines will be made possible by these stores, improving public healthcare...both urban and rural areas," Jadhav stated.
