PM Modi launches Ayushman Bharat, calls its biggest health scheme of world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the much-anticipated health scheme — Ayushman Bharat — of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government in Ranchi. PM Modi was of the opinion that this is the biggest health scheme anywhere in the world covering 50 million people of Rs 5 lakh each.

Addressing a gathering he said that this health scheme is going to benefit the last man standing in the line and is a huge step in helping the poor people to get medical facilities. Comparing the health scheme with foreign nations, the premier said, “The world’s largest plan is to provide health-assurance to over Rs 5 lakh to over 50 million siblings in the country. The whole world is not going to have such a big plan with government money in any country.” He was of the opinion that that scheme covers people more than the total population of the entire European Union and a combined population United States, Canada and Mexico.

Modi stated that the Ayushaman Bharat scheme is connected with two idols of India — Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Deen Dayal Upadhyay. He said, “The Ayushaman is connected with the two Mahapuruso from the India scheme. When the first phase of the plan was started in April, the day was Baba Sahib Ambedkar’s birthday. Now, in the same link, the Prime Minister Jan Restorer plan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Ji’s birthday started two days before.”

Elaborating about the diseases to be covered under the scheme, the BJP stalwart said, “The estimate of how broad these plans are can be gauged with the treatment of more than 1300 illnesses including cancer, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, and diabetes. The expenditure of up to 5 lakhs is also included in the hospital as well as checks, medicines, expenses before recruitment and the cost of treatment till completion.”

Adding on he also said that people can dial 14555 or at the nearest common service centre to get know the details of the scheme. Modi stressed that the government is planning to add more than 13,000 hospitals under the umbrella of this health scheme. Stating that 40 wellness-centres are working in Jharkhand and 10 have been launched on Sunday, the premier said that the government is planning to prepare such a half lakh centres all over in the next 4 years.

Seeking the assistance of doctors, nurses and health staff to make India a healthy nation, the Prime Minister said that with united and dedicated efforts the dream is possible.

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