Punjab Finally Decides To Accept Ayushman Bharat, But May Change Its Name

An in-principle approval has been given by the Punjab cabinet to go ahead with the implementation of Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana). The decision was taken on 3 October (Wednesday). The scheme will benefit more than 42 lakh families in the state. The scheme though may be named as Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojana (BPSSBY).

A committee under the leadership of the chief secretary will work out the implementation of the scheme which is estimated to cost Rs 300 crore, reported News 18.

PMJAY had earlier proposed covering 14.96 families under the scheme that provides Rs 5 lakh as insurance cover. The Punjab government, however, has decided to increase the beneficiaries to 61 lakh families. The central government’s number comes with a reference from the caste census that includes farmers, small traders and other families that fall under BPSSBY.

Since the Congress party promised a universal health insurance for the state while running its campaign, the Cabinet has authorised Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to rename the scheme. The annual premium which is estimated at Rs 1,082 will be shared in a 60:40 ratio by the central and state governments.

The cabinet also gave concurrence to extend the period of the state's BPSSBY, expiring on 31 October, for three months or implementation of revised scheme, whichever is earlier.