Zero tolerance to corruption in any form in PMJAY : Dr Harsh Vardhan

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : “There needs to be seamless integration between the two pillars of Ayushman Bharat to ensure that the vision of PM Narendra Modiji for ‘Swastha Bharat, Samriddh Bharat’ is fulfilled,” this was stated by Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on June 6, 2019, as he reviewed the progress of the implementation of Ayushman Bharat including Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) here.

“The Prime Minister has envisioned the scheme for the health and wellness of the poorest and most vulnerable of the country’s people,” he said.

Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that there will be zero tolerance for frauds and corruption in any form. “Strong checks and balances should be put in place to deter and mitigate fraud and abuse, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against any leakages,” he said. He noted that several groups may have been left out of the scheme since the current target group is based on SECC 2011.

“We need to work to include those eligible families who have been left out in the survey to make the scheme more inclusive,” he stated. Dr Harsh Vardhan further added that the National Health Authority (NHA) team should chart out the top priorities that would help further deepen the reach and use of the scheme. “It should be ensured that the scheme reaches every last eligible and needy person in the country,”Dr Harsh Vardhan added.

The Union Health Minister also applauded the progress of the scheme and appreciated the work done in a short period since its launch in September 23, 2019. Dr Harsh Vardhan suggested formation of a task force for discussing probable challenges and find solutions in a time bound manner. He further emphasised that a stronger focus should be given on providing information to all eligible beneficiaries about their eligibility, the benefits and how to seek the benefits.

“In addition, efforts should be made to ensure quality of care in the empaneled hospitals. We should try to empanel all quality hospitals for the scheme. Efforts should be made to converge the scheme with the existing central and state schemes,” Dr. Harsh Vardhan elaborated. He also directed the officials concerned to augment the number of empanelled hospitals under PMJAY, especially in the tier 2 and tier 3 cities along with ensuring that a minimum 2/3rd of top 200 hospitals empanel under PMJAY.

Out of 36 States/ UTs, 32 have signed MoU with the National Health Authority for implementing PM-JAY and most of these States have started implementation of the scheme. Discussions are in progress with rest of the States – Delhi, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal – to bring them on board.