Under Ayushman Bharat, 6.85 lakh patients treated in 100 days

Arun Jaitley, the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, has said that as many as 6.85 lakh poor patients have been offered free hospital treatment in the first 100 days of the introduction of Ayushman Bharat programme. He termed Government's flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat a 'game changer'.

Since its roll out on September 23, 2018, it has settled on an average 5,000 claims every day.

Jaitley said, "Once awareness of the scheme increases, It is anticipated that in the next few years, almost 1 crore plus families will benefit each year." 

"Many people from weaker sections avoided hospital treatment in order to avoid the burden of an unbearable payment. Today, 40% of India’s poorest are assured of a treatment in a hospital at the cost of public expenditure. This scheme also supports the hospitals as an institution by ensuring patients for them. This will lead to more hospitals (especially in Tier II and III cities), and those with better equipment. Health sector jobs are set to increase. PMJAY will help create an accountable health system because beneficiary feedback is an integral part of its implementation," Jaitley added.