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The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is all set to expand to include treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other old age-related health concerns. This scheme targets senior citizens, particularly those aged 70 and above. It provides comprehensive health care for diseases, ensuring they receive convenient and budget-friendly beneficiaries.
Presently, the scheme has 25 health packages being used to serve the elderly people. The National Health Authority of India, the launching agency of the Ayushman scheme, is actively working to include more health packages to foster care and support the elderly needs. While, the government is aiming to expand the scheme to include senior citizens, those aged 70 or above, irrespective of their income group.
About PM-JAY Scheme
Notably, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. It aimed to provide health benefits of up to INR 5 lakh per family every year to get secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations. The scheme is jointly funded by the center and the state in a 60:40 ratio.
The scheme was launched to facilitate over 50 crore individuals in the country with a vision to become World’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme.
Why was it launched?
The scheme was launched with the primary motive of lowering the financial burden of impoverished families. It offers cashless and paperless access to the healthcare faculties across the country.
The AB-PMJAY scheme targets low-income families, those identified on the basis of the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011.
Recent Enhancements on the AB-PMJAY Scheme?
Recently, it has undergone some significant upgrades to expand and offer its support to old age and poor families. These expansions include:
Expanded Coverage for Senior Citizens
As of September 11, 2024, all citizens, particularly those who are aged 70 and above are now eligible to seek health care under the scheme, irrespective of their income. This move aims to reach 6 crore senior citizens.
New Distinct Card
Under this initiative, senior citizens will receive a new, distinct card to access medical facilities across the country.
Top-Up Coverage
Senior Citizens within families already covered within the scheme will get an additional top-up coverage. They will get a top-up of up to INR 5 Lakh per year. This top-up coverage is exclusive to theme and does not need to be shared with other family members.
Integration with other Schemes
Senior Citizens who are part of other health care insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). They can either opt to continue their current scheme or choose the AB-PMJAY.
Addition of Health Packages under PM-JAY
The expansion of AB-PMJAY is intended to benefit around six crore individuals and across 4.5 million families.
According to the Health Ministry, health problems such as Stroke, heart failure, Alzheimer’s, and dementia are some of the common issues affecting elderly people. The treatment of these ailments must be addressed in special packages being planned for the elderly.
What is Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and cognitive skills, leading to the inability of the human mind and individual to carry out simple tasks. It is the common cause of dementia— a gradual loss of memory, thinking behavior, and social skills. The condition affects the ability of the individual to function.
The initial signs of this condition involve forgetting things, short-term memory, and loss of ability to perform tasks. However, there is no efficient treatment of the problem. But by taking medications the conditions may improve or slow down the symptoms.
Additionally, the condition can sometimes also cause major loss of brain functionality, leading to dehydration, malnutrition, or infection, or can even lead to death, when in advanced stages.
Here are some Common Symptoms you Observe in people with Alzheimer’s:
- Repeated statements and questions
- Forget conversations, events
- Misplace things
- Get lost in places
- Forgetting names even of your close family members
Cases in India
In India, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia cases are rising significantly. According to the latest records, it suggests that over 8 million people, particularly those who are aged 60 and above are suffering from dementia
The number is expected to increase significantly to three times by 2050.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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