In a move to widen the scope of health scheme in Delhi, the Arvind Kejriwal government has announced free treatment at empanelled private hospitals for people who are given a waiting time of over 30 days for surgeries at any Delhi government hospital.
As part of the expansion process, about 1016 surgical, 123 oncology and 10 neonatal procedures and six medical packages are now part fo the 86 surgeries already covered under the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK). This includes implants as well as treatment for vector-borne diseases as well.
All the treatment covered under the Centre-run Ayushman Bharat scheme will fall under the DAK. In terms of eligibility of the scheme, Delhi voters will be able to avail treatment on the basis of the voter identity card and those under childrenof their parents, along with Aadhaar card or birth certificate from Delhi can be a part of the scheme.
“We held a meeting on October 21 to discuss package rates. We are expecting that around 100 NABH-accredited hospitals that will be able to offer the facilities,” a government official told The Indian Express, adding that private hospitals cannot deny treatment to any patient if they have the service.
“This scheme is a win-win situation for private and government hospitals. We are paying more than the rate decided under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. A private hospital will be paid 10% to 40% over what the Ayushman Bharat scheme offers,” Dr Arun Gupta, President of the Delhi Medical Council said.
The Delhi government claimed that their scheme is better than the central government one and has implemented the latter in the state.
दिल्ली के सरकारी अस्पताल सुधरने लगे हैं और लोग प्राइवेट छोड़ कर सरकारी अस्पतालों में इलाज करवाने लगे हैं
2015 में दिल्ली सरकार के अस्पतालों में सालाना 3 करोड़ OPD होती थी, आज 6 करोड़ OPD होती है
सरकारें इंसानों का विकास करेंगी, तभी देश का विकास होगा। pic.twitter.com/Dg9MUKx04O
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 24, 2019
The free surgery scheme was launched in March 2017 and 56 private healthcare providers have been empanelled by the government. Till June 2019, a total of 4,654 patients received free treatment under the scheme.
Apart from this initiative, the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinic (AAMC) which is currently operational in the national capital is the Government of Delhi’s flagship health program. It aims to improve access to health care for the people of Delhi, reduce their health expenditure and reduce crowd at government hospitals. Nearly 100 such clinics are currently operational in Delhi.
In 32 states and union territories, people are getting free secondary and tertiary treatment worth Rs 7,901 crore as a part of Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme. Procedures like cardiology, orthopaedics, radiation, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and urology have been the top tertiary specialities.
In Delhi, the packages will include the cost incurred during pre-anaesthetic check-up, investigations, medicines, bed charges, diet charges, consultation, and nursing care, among others.
Also Read: Patients From Bihar Come On Rs 500 Ticket To Avail Free Treatment In Delhi: CM Arvind Kejriwal
