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<keyword id="23350090" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Healthcare-in-India" source="keywords">Healthcare in India</keyword> is facing a growing crisis as costs continue to rise sharply, increasing by 14% annually, according to the ACKO India <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">Health Insurance</keyword> Index 2024. The report highlights that this double-digit inflation in <keyword id="19909937" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare" source="keywords">healthcare</keyword> is putting immense pressure on individuals and families across the country. "<keyword id="23350091" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare-inflation" source="keywords">Healthcare inflation</keyword> was reported at 14 per cent in India," the report stated, illustrating the persistent increase in healthcare expenses. <h2>Out-of-pocket expenditures</h2>One of the most alarming findings in the report is that 62% of healthcare expenses are paid out of pocket by patients and their families. This has created a significant financial burden, often forcing individuals to turn to loans and borrowings to cover medical costs. The report noted that 23% of hospital charges are financed through borrowings, emphasizing the toll this takes on household financial health. In many cases, these <keyword id="20228812" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="out-of-pocket-expenses" source="keywords">out-of-pocket expenses</keyword> are unpredictable and steep, leading to mounting debts for families. As health crises strike unexpectedly, the lack of widespread health insurance coverage is leaving families vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare protection. <h2><keyword id="20699023" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kidney-disease" source="keywords">Kidney disease</keyword> capital: Delhi</h2>Kidney disease has emerged as a growing concern in India, with Delhi being identified as the kidney disease capital of the country. The report states that Delhi NCR had the highest share of health insurance claims related to kidney health, followed closely by Kochi. "Delhi is the capital for kidney disease, followed by Kochi. Delhi NCR had the highest share of claims related to kidney health," the report confirmed, indicating a rising trend in kidney-related issues. Beyond the staggering number of claims, the financial impact of treating kidney diseases has also been brought to light. The average age of patients claiming for kidney and renal problems is 47 years, showing that kidney issues are affecting people at a relatively young age. One of the highest bills for kidney-related treatment in the past year amounted to Rs 24,73,894, showing just how costly these health conditions can be. <h2>Rising <keyword id="19898369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-disease" source="keywords">heart disease</keyword> in major cities</h2>The report also flagged the increasing number of heart disease cases in India's metropolitan cities. Kolkata and Mumbai recorded the highest number of claims related to heart conditions, with hospitalizations for cardiovascular issues like heart attacks rising sharply, particularly among people aged 31 to 50 years. "Kolkata and Mumbai topped the list of metros when it came to disorders of the circulatory system like heart attacks," the report noted, painting a worrying picture of the growing burden of lifestyle diseases in urban India. Poor diets, stress, and lack of exercise are all contributing factors, creating a serious public health challenge for the country. In addition to kidney and heart diseases, the report also highlighted concerns surrounding cancer. The ACKO Index predicts that <keyword id="20418550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer-cases" source="keywords">cancer cases</keyword> are expected to rise by 13% between 2020 and 2025, which, coupled with the already high cost of cancer treatment, adds further strain to the healthcare system. <h2>Expanding health coverage</h2>In response to the growing healthcare challenges, the Indian government has introduced measures aimed at reducing the burden on citizens. On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, under the <keyword id="19913233" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat" source="keywords">Ayushman Bharat</keyword> Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This scheme will provide health insurance regardless of income level, offering Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. This move is a step forward in protecting senior citizens from catastrophic healthcare expenses, but the need for broader reforms remains critical as the out-of-pocket burden for millions of younger citizens continues to mount. (with inputs from agencies)

Healthcare in India faces massive strain as costs rise by 14% annually; most expenses paid out-of-pocket

<ul><li>India's real GDP grew at around 8.2% in real terms in Fy24: Economic Survey </li><li>Retail inflation dipped to 5.4% in FY24, notes Economic Survey</li><li>Unemployment dipped to 3.2% in FY24</li></ul><keyword id="19912360" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister-Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> is set to present the union budget on 23rd July, at 11 am. The budget session is scheduled to last between 22nd July and 12th August. This will be <keyword id="19956941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FM-Sitharaman" source="keywords">FM Sitharaman</keyword>'s seventh consecutive budget presentation under the third term of <keyword id="20205025" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhartiya-Janata-Party" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bhartiya Janata Party" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bhartiya Janata Party">Bhartiya Janata Party</keyword> (BJP). All budget-related documents will be available at indiabudget.gov.in. You can watch the presentation live on Doordarshan, Sansad TV, and also on various official government YouTube channels. With this budget, Sitharaman will only precede former PM <keyword id="20342248" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Morarji-Desai" source="keywords">Morarji Desai</keyword>, who has presented the highest number of budget (10) till date, followed by <keyword id="22330828" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="P-Chidambaram" source="keywords">P. Chidambaram</keyword> with 9 budgets, and Pranab Mukherjee, who has 8 budgets to his credit. In her recent address in parliament, Sitharaman noted that significant social and economic decisions will be a highlight of this budget. Notably, she concluded <keyword id="901788" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pre-budget-consultations" source="Orion">pre-budget consultations</keyword>, which began on June 19th, on July 5th, where she met 20 invitees across 10 groups, including representatives from agriculture, skill development, finance and banking, energy, <keyword id="17408" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Infrastructure" source="Orion">infrastructure</keyword> sector and more. <h2>Key expectations from Budget 2024</h2>Experts note that this budget will mainly focus on improving consumption, and boosting <keyword id="174143" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infrastructure-development" source="Orion">infrastructure development</keyword>. Per reports, the government is also mulling raising the threshold of standard deduction under income tax regimes from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, to boost healthcare accessibility for the underserved in the country, the government is also contemplating to double the annual coverage offered under the <keyword id="20097876" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat-health-insurance-scheme" source="keywords">Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme</keyword> from the present Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh over the next 3 years, along with also covering individuals aged over 70. Mr. Tashwinder Singh, CEO &amp; MD, Niyogin Fintech Limited, which offers credit to MSMEs, noted that upcoming regulatory changes should focus on simplifying compliance, taxation policies that encourage entrepreneurship, and incentivise innovations that drive R&amp;D investments. "We hope that the government takes measures to support the lending industry through access to capital and affordable interest rates, enabling entrepreneurs to realize their vision. Furthermore, we look forward to relaxed norms for NBFCs, allowing them to contribute more substantially to the economy. These measures will collectively propel India's economic growth, boost job creation, and position the Indian fintech industry as a strong contender in innovation and entrepreneurship", he continues. As for bolstering green infrastructure and clean energy production, Ms Aditi Balbir, Co-founder, EcoRatings notes that the 2024 union budget should prioritize investments in sustainable infrastructure projects and clean energy solutions, as 70% of greenhouse gas emissions stem from energy, industry, and buildings. "This will create a future-proof foundation for economic growth and help in achieving net-zero targets. Infrastructure is crucial in addressing climate change and meeting diverse societal needs. A transformative overhaul of our current and future infrastructure assets is essential. The budget should introduce financial incentives, such as lower interest rates on loans and dedicated grants, for companies committed to ESG compliance. This will create a clear link between sustainability efforts and economic benefits", she continued. <h2>Focus on Agri-credit, Real Estate in Budget 2024</h2>The government could also raise the target for agricultural loans disbursed during the year by up to 25%, setting the target at Rs 25 lakh crore. The government will also have to revamp the MSP (minimum support price) system in this space, focusing on challenges such as narrow coverage, dipping export competitiveness, discouraging private investment in this space and more. Another area that demands significant attention is real estate. Shubhi Jain, Principal Partner &amp; Head of CRM, Square Yards anticipates significant reforms in the upcoming budget under the new government. Securing industry status will unlock a plethora of legal and administrative benefits, along with much-needed tax incentives. "Also, while government’s focus on affordable housing under PMAY is commendable, recalibrating strategies in light of escalating construction costs is imperative for sustained inclusiveness and effectiveness. Moreover, enhanced tax reliefs and increased deductions on home loans, currently capped at INR 2 lakhs, are pivotal in stimulating demand and supporting prospective buyers", she says. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111946291" title="Union Budget 2024-25 key highlights: Assistance for Nalanda's development as a tourist center" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Short-term outlook positive, notes Economic Survey </h2>FM Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2023-24 in the parliament today, ahead of the budget. The survey noted that the Indian economy had managed to recover and expand in an orderly fashion post the pandemic, with the real GDP growing by 8.2% in FY24. Going ahead, prospects for continued strong growth in FY25 remain robust. India also managed to bring down its current account deficit (0.7% of GDP in FY24), while projecting a 7%+ growth rate in the medium term. On the employment front, the survey noted that AI might moderate India's services export growth by as much as 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points annually over the course of the next decade. As such, greater emphasis and focus is needed on areas like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things, cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data analytics, augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing, and web and mobile development. The Indian labour market indicators have significantly improved over the past 6 years, with unemployment rates dipping to 3.2% in 2022-23. However, even as net payroll additions to EPFO have doubled over the last 5 years, signaling a healthy formal employment market, job creation and increasing women participation in workforce remain key areas of concern. For all updates and latest information related to the budget, don't forget to follow <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Budget Insider</a>! SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman announces internships for 10 million youth in 500 top companies</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/loan-limit-under-mudra-scheme-to-be-doubled-to-20-lakh-sitharaman/articleshow/111950024.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Loan limit under MUDRA scheme to be doubled to ₹20 lakh: Sitharaman</a>

Union Budget 2024: When will it be presented, what time, where to watch and what are various sectors expecting?

No expert committee has been set up for extending <keyword id="19923745" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-benefits" source="keywords">health benefits</keyword> to cover citizens aged 70 and above under <keyword id="19913233" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat" source="keywords">Ayushman Bharat</keyword>, <keyword id="22556022" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Minister-of-State-for-Health" source="keywords">Union Minister of State for Health</keyword> Prataprao Jadhav told the Lok Sabha on Friday. He was responding to a question on whether the government proposed to cover citizens aged 70 and above by expanding Ayushman Bharat through the launch of a <keyword id="21782708" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Health-Claims-Exchange" source="keywords">national health claims exchange</keyword> and if an expert panel had been set up to strengthen the format of the scheme for the planned expansion. Jadhav, in a written reply, said all members of eligible families, irrespective of age, were covered under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The scheme provides <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">health insurance</keyword> cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore families, he said. "No expert committee has been set up for extending the health benefits to cover <keyword id="19894991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="senior-citizens" source="keywords">senior citizens</keyword> aged 70 and above," he stated. Responding to another question, Jadhav said 34 insurers and third-party administrators were live and approximately 300 hospitals ramping up to start sending their claims on the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), which aims to streamline and fasten health <keyword id="35450" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Insurance" source="Orion">insurance</keyword> claim processing, as on July 21. Jadhav said the government built the NHCX gateway under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It aims to streamline and standardise health insurance claim processing, enhance efficiency in the insurance industry and improve patient experience. It serves as a gateway for exchanging health claim information among insurers, third party audit, healthcare providers, beneficiaries and other relevant entities and ensures interoperability, machine-readability, auditability and verifiability, making the information exchange accurate and trustworthy, the minister said. This system will enhance efficiency and transparency in the insurance industry, benefiting policyholders and patients, he added. Supported by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and the General Insurance Council, the NHCX will enable standardised and faster health insurance claim processing, Jadhav said.

No panel formed for extending benefits to cover citizens above 70 under Ayushman Bharat, says govt

Most of us think of India as a young country. And as home to one-fifth of the world's young population and with an average age of 29, you're right. But did you know India's elderly population is set to double from its present 153 million to a staggering 347 million, in just 30 years? Moreover, by the end of this century, the population of <keyword id="19894991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="senior-citizens" source="keywords">senior citizens</keyword> in India will surpass the population of those aged under 14, as per a report by the United Nations Population Fund and the International Institute for Population Sciences. As such, with <keyword id="19955368" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget-2024" source="keywords">budget 2024</keyword> looming on the horizon, what is it that this burgeoning section of our population wants? We take a look : <h2>Wish 1: Raise deduction threshold for <keyword id="22285655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mediclaim-premium" source="keywords">mediclaim premium</keyword></h2>At present, senior citizens (aged 60 and above) and super senior citizens (aged 80 and above) can claim a deduction of up to Rs 50,000 on health insurance premiums they pay during the year. For those aged below 60, the annual deduction limit is of Rs 25,000. But, as Tarun Mathur, CBO, Policybazaar.com notes, "There’s a need for an increase in the tax deduction limit for health insurance premiums, to raise the same to Rs 50,000 for individuals, their spouses, and dependent children, and to Rs 1 lakh for senior citizen parents". With insurance regulator <keyword id="6361421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IRDA" source="Orion">IRDA</keyword> removing the age cap (which was previously 65 years) for buying new insurance policies, health insurance for senior citizens becomes far more accessible. Given that only 20% of India's population aged 60 have any kind of health insurance, a comprehensive insurance coverage with low tax liabilities becomes a necessity for our senior citizens. At present, the government is mulling extending the <keyword id="22285657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat-Pradhan-Yojana" source="Orion">Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Yojana</keyword> to provide crucial, free healthcare support for India's senior citizens aged above 70. But only time, and July 22nd will tell. <h2>Wish 2: Offer similar tax benefits to pension products as NPS </h2>NPS, or <keyword id="475509" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Pension-System" source="Orion">National Pension System</keyword> is a lucrative retirement planning scheme. And it comes with many tax benefits. For instance, if you withdraw up to 60% of your accumulated pension as lumpsum once you turn 60, your withdrawal is tax free. Similarly, if any amount you receive from NPS is reinvested in the annuity plan, it remains tax exempt. However, income from annuities is taxed as per your regular income tax slab. And any early withdrawals that you make (before 60 years) will attract taxes. A standard deduction of Rs 50,000, or amount of annuity income (whichever is lower) can be claimed. But under regular annuities or pension products, senior citizens pay a 10% tax on total taxable income over Rs. 3 lakhs , Rs 20,000 + 20% over amount exceeding Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 1.2 lakh+ 30% on amount exceeding Rs 10 lakh. As Mathur notes, "Pension products like annuity plans should be given the same tax benefits as NPS, since the current taxation does not encourage investment in retirement planning. It’s also necessary to expand Section 80C deductions and add a dedicated category for term insurance because the existing limit of Rs. 1,50,000 is insufficient". Even retirement planner Sanjeev Dawar notes that income from annuities is a primary source of income for retirees. "As such, tax relief is expected since returns, although assured for life, are relatively low. Moreover, they remain fixed and have no sensitivity to inflation". Additionally, Dawar also advocates for special financial considerations for eligible individuals who are compelled to stay in old-age homes in their twilight years. It is also needed that travel concessions, that have been withdrawn, are restarted". <h2>Wish 3: Lowering lock-in periods for elderly </h2>Many schemes like national savings certificate (NSC), unit-linked insurance plans (ULIP) and senior citizen savings scheme (SCSS) are subject to tax deductions, provided they are redeemed after their specific <keyword id="20792448" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lock-in-period" source="keywords">lock-in period</keyword>. For instance, tax-saver FDs, ULIPs and NSC have a lock-in period of 5 years, while equity-linked savings scheme (ELSS) have a lock-in period of 3 years. It would help senior citizens if this lock-in period is reduced, so that they have some liquidity and cash handy during medical or other such emergencies. Additionally, withdrawals should be allowed within lock-in period sans hefty penalties, as is the case right now. <h2>Wish 4: Lowering GST on health insurance premiums </h2>Currently, GST on health insurance premium is payable at 18%, which can translate into a hefty levy, especially since senior citizens end up paying significantly higher premiums to get insurance coverage. For a premium of Rs 30,000, the GST could go as high as Rs 5,400. As per Prasun Sikdar, MD &amp; CEO, Manipal Cigna Health Insurance, "lowering the GST burden on the health insurance premiums will be a huge respite for missing middle and senior citizens to get access to quality healthcare they need and help to significantly boost insurance penetration across India by driving affordability.” <h2> Wish 5: Reduce tax on <keyword id="21695681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="passive-income" source="keywords">passive income</keyword> sources for aged</h2>For most senior citizens, rental income from house, pension and other such passive sources turn into a major income avenue, once they retire from active employment. As such, these should be taxed at a lower slab, and not considered as regular salary. Or else, higher exemption limits should be introduced to allow them to save more. At present, the basic exemption limit for senior citizens between 60-80 years is Rs 3 lakh, while the exemption limit for citizens above 80 years is Rs 5 lakhs. The limits should be revised, keeping in mind how expensive medical care is in current times.

Budget 2024: Here's what India's elderlies want

<ul><li>The <keyword id="13157583" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ayushman-bharat-health-account" source="Orion">Ayushman Bharat Health Account</keyword> (<keyword id="108412" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="abha" source="Orion">ABHA</keyword>) is a health ID developed by the Indian government.</li><li>This will allow you to easily share your health data such as health records and diagnostic records with healthcare providers.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of ABHA and how to apply for ABHA.</li></ul>The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), which was earlier known as <keyword id="13650107" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ayushman-bharat-health-id" source="Orion">Ayushman Bharat Health ID</keyword> was launched by the Indian government in 2021 and is aimed at providing a digital health ID to the population. This was launched by the National Health Authority (NHA), which is part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As per the government, ABHA is the “first step towards creating safer and efficient digital health records for you and your family.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is ABHA?" comment="subhead" text="What is ABHA?">What is ABHA?</cmsannotation> ABHA is a unique health ID that uses a 14-digit identification number and can be generated using an Aadhaar card or your mobile number. It allows users to share their health records digitally with hospitals, clinics, insurance providers and others. Citizens can create their unique ABHA without any cost. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What are the benefits of ABHA?" comment="subhead" text="What are the benefits of ABHA?">What are the benefits of ABHA?</cmsannotation> The benefits of ABHA are as follows – <ul><li>You can access all your medical records such as lab reports, prescriptions and diagnoses on the platform.</li><li>You can use the platform to easily share your medical records with hospitals, clinics and insurance providers.</li><li>This will make it easier for you to present your medical records even if you are in a different city or state.</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to apply for ABHA?" comment="subhead" text="How to apply for ABHA?">How to apply for ABHA?</cmsannotation> You have the option to generate your ABHA using your Aadhaar card, Driving license or using your mobile number. Let’s take the example of using your Aadhaar card. <ul><li>To begin, go to the <a href="https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/">ABHA website</a>.</li><li>Click on “Create your ABHA now”.</li><li>Then, click on “Generate via Aadhaar”.</li><li>Now, enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.</li><li>Scroll down and click on “I agree” and complete the captcha below.</li><li>Then, click on “Submit”.</li><li>Enter the OTP that you have received on your smartphone and click on “Submit”.</li><li>Now, enter your mobile number and click on “Submit”.</li><li>Then, you will be shown the details that have been fetched using your Aadhaar card.</li><li>Verify the details and click on “Submit”.</li><li>You will also have the option to create an ABHA address that is similar to an email ID.</li><li>Once you have done this, you will be able to download your ABHA card.</li></ul>

ABHA health card — features, benefits and how to apply for card

<ul><li>The announcement was made by Chief Minister <keyword id="2458540" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="manohar-lal-khattar" source="Orion">Manohar Lal Khattar</keyword> while addressing on the occasion of a blood donation camp organised by Samaras Hindu Manch. </li><li>The necessary medical tests for their health check-up will also be free-of-cost. </li><li>Khattar added that the <keyword id="6199405" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat" source="Orion">Ayushman Bharat</keyword> scheme has been implemented to provide medical treatment facilities to the poor. </li></ul> In <keyword id="41646" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="haryana" source="Orion">Haryana</keyword>, people suffering from <keyword id="64819" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="thalassemia" source="Orion">thalassemia</keyword> will be given ₹ 2,500 per month and the necessary medical tests for their health check-up will also be free-of-cost so that the cost burden of treatment is not borne by the family members. This announcement was made by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar while addressing on the occasion of a blood donation camp organised by Samaras Hindu Manch in Gurugram on the birthday of Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>. On behalf of the people of the state, Khattar extended warm greetings to Modi on the occasion of his 72nd birthday. The Chief Minister boosted the morale of the thalassemia-affected children and their families present in the camp. He also got clicked for a group photo with them. On this occasion, Khattar also distributed cards among 125 children suffering from thalassemia through which they can get their blood tests done along with other tests like MRI etc. at free-of -cost for one year by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. He said thalassemia is a serious disease in which a person's blood has to be changed after a period and its treatment is expensive. The Chief Minister added that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been implemented to provide medical treatment facilities to the poor, and is a combined scheme of the Central and state governments. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/domestic-discord-addiction-the-top-causes-of-suicides/articleshow/94269978.cms">Domestic discord, addiction the top causes of suicides</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/article/sustainability-forum-shifting-gears-evaluating-the-road-to-sustainable-mobility/articleshow/94248881.cms">Sustainability forum: Shifting gears — ‘EV’aluating the road to sustainable mobility</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/condom-maker-mankind-pharma-files-papers-for-an-ipo/articleshow/94249464.cms">Condom maker Mankind Pharma files papers for an IPO</a>

Thalassemia patients to get ₹ 2,500 per month in Haryana

Introduced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the health insurance scheme with a grand vision is named as <keyword id="6199405" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayushman-bharat">Ayushman Bharat</keyword> providing the subscribers a medical expenses cover of up to Rs 5 lakh. Here is what you must know about the scheme and the eligibility criteria that will help you benefit from the scheme. Called by other names such as the National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) or Modicare, this government-sponsored health insurance scheme offers free coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for medical care availed of at any government hospital or an empanelled medical care facility in India. The scheme is meant only for poor families and the economically deprived segments of the society. The scheme aims to cover about 10.74 crore beneficiary families and around 50 crore Indian citizens. Key aspects of <keyword id="6199968" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat-scheme">Ayushman Bharat scheme</keyword> The medical insurance cover will provide a maximum of about Rs 5 lakhs per family per year on secondary as well as tertiary medical care availed of from medical facilities. Eligibility is strictly based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database and those that are eligible will be covered by the program automatically without having to register for it. If a person from an eligible family is hospitalized, the family need not spend on the treatment when they visit a government or an empanelled private hospital for treatment. The policy covers all kinds of diseases and the benefit offers coverage both for pre and post hospitalization expenses. Unlike other kinds of medical insurance schemes, there is no waiting period for pre-existing ailments. Though Aadhaar card is not a mandated requirement for availing of the medical care under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the beneficiaries will have to produce a prescribed ID at the hospital to receive free treatment. Eligibility criteria for Ayushman Bharat scheme in rural areas 1. Families inhabiting a single room or a domicile with “kuchcha walls and kuchcha roof" 2. Families in which there is no adult member in the age group 16 and 59 3. Family headed by a female with no adult male member belonging to the 16-59 age group 4. Families in which there is at least one disabled member and no able-bodied adult member 5. SC/ST households 6. Landless households making a majority of their earnings from manual casual labour 7. Extremely poor and those individuals surviving on alms 8. Families of manual scavengers 9. Families belonging to primitive tribal groups Eligibility criteria for Ayushman Bharat scheme in urban areas As per the guidelines issues as part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the following 11 occupational categories of workers are included in the list automatically. 1. <keyword id="6470258" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Domestic-worker">Domestic worker</keyword> 2. Street vendor, cobbler, hawker, and other service providers working on the streets 3. Construction worker, plumber, mason, labour, painter, welder, security guard, coolie and other head-load workers 4. Sweeper, sanitation worker, and gardener 8. Home-based worker, artisan, handicrafts worker, and tailor 9. Transport worker, driver, conductor, helper to drivers and conductors, cart puller, and rickshaw puller 10. Shop worker, assistant, peon in small establishment, helper, delivery assistant, attendant, and waiter 11. Electrician, mechanic, assembler, and repair worker 12. Washer-man, and chowkidar 13. Homeless people

What is Prime Minister health insurance scheme?

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6199405" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayushman-bharat">Ayushman Bharat</keyword> scheme, which will cover nearly 110 million families to the tune of ₹500,000 per year, is set to be launched on September 25th. </li><li>Out of the 26 states which have signed MoUs for the scheme, only 4 have opted for the insurance model, while 20 have chosen to set up trusts. </li><li>Under an insurance model, the state appoints a insurance company to handle all claims, while in a <keyword id="22629" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="trust">trust</keyword> model, they establish a trust to disburse <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> payments. </li></ul> In his inaugural Independence day address, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi announced that his government’s national <keyword id="6362363" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance">health insurance</keyword> scheme, Ayushman Bharat, would be launched on September 25th. The scheme, which covers families to the tune of ₹500,000 per year, is expected to reach 500 million Indian citizens - making it the world’s largest public health insurance programme of its kind. When the scheme was first announced, it was assumed that India’s insurance companies would be key facilitators of the wide-ranging scheme, which has an expected premium outlay of ₹100 billion in the first year itself. However, a month before the scheme’s launch, it looks like the scheme won’t generate a lot of business for them. Trust vs insurance model The scheme is being carried out by state governments, who have two options. Either they take the normal insurance model, wherein they appoint a insurance company to handle all claims, or they opt for a trust model, wherein each state establishes a trust and disburses health payments and reimbursements through that fund. In the trust model, the fund involves a 60% contribution from the central government, with 40% coming from the state’s coffers. The central government has set aside ₹852 billion in its budget for the scheme. Out of the 26 states which have signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) for the scheme, only four - West Bengal, Jharkhand, Manipur and Nagaland - have opted for the insurance model, while 20 have chosen to set up trusts, according a report in the Indian Express. The states which are estimated to have 40% of the scheme’s intended recipients - Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar - have all opted for the trust model. Two other states, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, have chosen a hybrid approach that combines both models, with the former awarding a contract to the state-owned Oriental Insurance Company and the latter contracting the services of Religare Health Insurance. OIC successfully bid a price of ₹361 to cover each family to the extent of ₹50,000 while Religare bid ₹1,100 for the same level of coverage. For any payouts above ₹50,000, the <keyword id="51011" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="state-government">state government</keyword>’s trusts will step in. The popularity of the trust model isn’t without reason. Given the natural uncertainty around insurance payouts and premium increases, it’s a lot easier from a budgetary standpoint to establish a trust with government funds than be on the hook for payments to insurance companies. A trust model allows the government to set prices. Under the UPA government’s health insurance scheme, the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), a lot of state governments ran into arrears after having to subsidise the health insurance premiums of so many citizens. The RSBY scheme was also tainted with concerns that insurance companies were submitting very low bids and not honouring their claims. The trust model could overcome some of the hurdles of the previous national health insurance scheme, but its success rests on the ability of state governments to process claims and disburse payments in an efficient manner.

India’s insurers are being left out of the country’s national health insurance scheme

<ul><li><keyword id="144117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aadhaar" source="Orion">Aadhaar</keyword> facilitated the Government of India in extending support to over 900 million beneficiaries, totaling $400 billion. </li><li>The elimination of fraudulent or duplicate IDs through the use of Aadhaar has resulted in an estimated government savings of approximately $34 billion. </li><li><keyword id="11907269" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digilocker" source="Orion">DigiLocker</keyword> has broadened its document coverage, and includes banking, financial services, and education, through collaborations with private sector entities. </li></ul>The use of <keyword id="6358921" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="upi" source="Orion">UPI</keyword> has gone beyond metros. Around 70% of UPI's current users hail from beyond Tier-1 cities. Also, more than 80% of new users emerge from locations in Tier-2 cities and beyond, according to the ‘Impact of DPI on the Indian Internet Economy’ report by Redseer Strategy Consultants. With a user base exceeding 350 million, UPI stands out as an incredibly successful digital asset, revolutionising India's transaction landscape. Currently, approximately 45% of all transactions within the country occur digitally, with UPI commanding a significant share of 52%, surpassing 10 billion monthly transactions. The convenience associated with UPI <keyword id="6359540" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="payments" source="Orion">payments</keyword> has spurred the development of an expansive network of merchants, the digitalization of operations, and a noteworthy shift in consumer preferences. Aadhaar, the game changer Aadhaar's seamless digital ID verification has significantly enhanced governance effectiveness, leading to substantial cost savings for the government. By reinforcing the direct benefit transfer framework and policies, Aadhaar facilitated the Government of India in extending support to over 900 million beneficiaries, totaling $400 billion in cash and in-kind benefits across 313 schemes. The elimination of fraudulent or duplicate IDs resulted in an estimated government savings of approximately $34 billion. “Additionally, Aadhaar-based eKYC procedures streamlined processes such as bank account openings, issuance of credit cards, and filing of income tax returns, digitising various facets of government-citizen interactions,” says the report. Digilocker and FastTag gain users as they mature The success of Aadhaar, eKYC, and UPI have paved the way for various other Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) and the evolution of India Stack. Among these, platforms like DigiLocker and FasTag have matured considerably and amassed substantial user bases. The ongoing expansion of these initiatives has led to the development of innovative products and applications, exploring new use cases. For instance, DigiLocker facilitates KYC/ID verification and dynamic linking of insurance and health records, while FasTag enables parking fee payments using its balance, among other functionalities. The government has amplified the DigiLocker framework through DigiLocker 2.0, aiming to streamline the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process across various financial and alternative services. This initiative revolves around centralising the process, eliminating redundant procedures at different touchpoints. “Embracing an enterprise-level approach for MSMEs, trusts, and other entities will enable companies to alter documents, changes of which will be reflected in personal DigiLocker accounts achieving high interoperability,” says the report. Furthermore, DigiLocker has broadened its document coverage, and includes banking, financial services, and education, through collaborations with private sector entities.

Eight in ten new UPI users are coming from Bharat

<ul><li><keyword id="43945" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chhattisgarh">Chhattisgarh</keyword> has become the latest state to exit the central government’s <keyword id="6199405" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayushman-bharat">Ayushman Bharat</keyword> <keyword id="35450" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="insurance">insurance</keyword> scheme. </li><li>In addition to <keyword id="6357783" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-bengal">West Bengal</keyword> and Chhattisgarh, the non-BJP ruled states of Odisha, Telangana as well as Delhi have also rejected the scheme. </li><li>All of these states either have plans to or have already started their own health insurance coverage schemes.</li></ul>The central Indian state of Chhattisgarh has become the latest state to exit the central government’s Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme. The state’s health minister, T S Singhdeo, said that the government would instead offer its <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chhattisgarh-to-move-towards-universal-healthcare-plan-t-s-singhdeo-5543794/">own universal healthcare scheme</a> featuring free medicines, outpatient care, and improved public health infrastructure via an existing network. In addition to West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, the non-BJP ruled states of Odisha, Telangana as well as Delhi have also rejected the scheme. All of these states either have plans to or have already started their own health insurance coverage schemes. Delhi, in particular, took a similar line as West Bengal in that it objected to how the scheme was being branded as mainly a central government programme. The common thread across these states rejecting the programme is that they are ruled by the rivals of <keyword id="6354642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi">Modi</keyword>’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, that is not the only challenge. The national health insurance scheme was rolled out at the end of September last year, with the stipulated aim of covering 110 million families to the tune of half a million rupees a year. Around <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ayushman-bharat-a-game-changer-6-85-lakh-patients-treated-in-100-days-jaitley/articleshow/67335634.cms">685,000</a> patients had reportedly availed of the scheme by the end of 2018, according to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. As the minister from Chhattisgarh explained, Ayushman Bharat provided insurance for secondary and tertiary <keyword id="6354525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare">healthcare</keyword> in hospitals, whereas <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/chhattisgarh-govt-to-pull-out-of-ayushman-bharat/articleshow/67550227.cms">nearly 80%</a> of the state’s citizens required primary healthcare services. Outpatient treatment, which is hugely popular with India’s poor households according to <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/201612_health-and-morbidity.pdf">a Brookings report</a>, isn’t provided under the scheme. In addition, as public hospitals lack the requisite infrastructure, the government is relying heavily on private hospitals, which aren’t that widespread in semi-urban and rural areas and can promote expensive treatments to improve their margins. The programme is not well funded either. The central government will have to increase its annual funding for the scheme as its ₹20 billion allocation in the 2018 Budget is insufficient - <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/kYhU6jUzQHcz4gexCpVUQP/Confident-of-getting-more-funds-for-Ayushman-Bharat-CEO-Ind.html">a view echoed </a>by the CEO of the programme, Indu Bhushan. As of end-December 2018, the central government had already authorised <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/centre-has-spent-850-crore-on-ayushman-bharat-till-date/article25836102.ece">₹8.5 billion </a>worth of claims. A higher allocation will likely be unveiled in the government's interim budget on February 1st. Whose insurance is it anyway The state of West Bengal, which merged its own health protection programme Swastyasathi with Ayushman Bharat last year, also pulled out of the scheme. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee rationalised the move by citing the central government’s attempts<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mamata-banerjee-pulls-out-of-pmjay-ayushman-bharat-scheme-says-centre-taking-credit-5532864/"> to take full credit</a> for what was essentially a joint effort, wherein the state government shared 40% of the cost. While the states’ pull-out will affect the momentum and portability of the national programme, it also indicates the problems associated with its implementation. Granted, it's only been a little over 100 days since the scheme came into operation, but the gaps in the plan are already evident. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-insurers-are-being-left-out-of-the-countrys-national-health-insurance-scheme/articleshow/65422864.cms">India’s insurers are being left out of the country’s national health insurance scheme</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-allocates-15-billion-for-modicare-health-insurance-2018-3">India allocates $1.5 billion for 'Modicare' health insurance</a>

India's 'Modicare' insurance scheme needs some fixing

<ul><li><keyword id="6354720" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola">Ola</keyword> partnered with <keyword id="6199405" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayushman-bharat">Ayushman Bharat</keyword> - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to provide its drivers with a health insurance. </li><li>A pilot project of this collaboration will take place in Delhi-NCR. </li><li>Through this, the drivers will have access to 18,073 government and private hospitals empaneled under PM-JAY.</li></ul>Indian ride hailing unicorn Ola partnered with the government’s Ayushman Bharat to offer health insurance benefits to its drivers and their families. “We are addressing the evolving needs of our driver-partners, offering them, and their families, access to reliable and quality healthcare services,” said Vijay Ghadge, Vice President- Operations, Ola. Through this initiative, <keyword id="2777438" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola-drivers">Ola drivers</keyword> will get access to Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the government’s healthcare scheme. While the initiative will be initially available to Ola’s drivers in Delhi NCR, it will soon be rolled out to the over 2 million drivers on the ride hailing platform. “Hundreds of thousands of eligible driver-partners will be able to access in-patient care for serious illnesses at a country-wide network of 18,073 government and private hospitals empaneled under PM-JAY,” the company said. The company launched several initiatives under its Ola Foundation. It plans to impart skills to 500,000 women by 2025. The foundation will also provide employment-linked skills training, financial literacy and social empowerment through life-skills education.

Ola partners with Ayushman Bharat to provide health benefits to its drivers

New Delhi, Jan 31 () To promote preventive healthcare, 1.5 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health &amp; Wellness Centres are proposed to be set up by 2022, according to the Economic Survey 2019-20.
 The Survey was tabled in Parliament on Friday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
 A total of 28,005 such centres have already been set up as on January 14, 2020, it added.
 "Under Mission Indradhanush, 3.39 crore children and 87.18 lakh pregnant women in 680 districts across the country have been vaccinated," the Survey noted.
 New vaccines such as Measles-Rubella (MR), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine and Inactivated Polio Vaccine have also been introduced, it added.
 "As per the latest National Health Accounts (NHA) 2016-17, the out of pocket expenditure as a percentage of total health expenditure has declined from 64.2 per cent in 2013-14 to 58.7 per cent in 2016-17," the Survey said.
 Primary healthcare accounts for 52.1 per cent of India's current public expenditure on health as per the National Health Estimates, 2016-17. The National Health Policy, 2017 recommended to spend at least two thirds of the government's health expenditure on primary healthcare, it added.
 "Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world's largest health insurance scheme, is a major step towards providing affordable healthcare to the identified poor," the Survey said.
 The scheme has been rolled out based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census for rural and urban areas, respectively, it added.
 In another step, "Under Free Drugs Service initiative, substantial funds have been given to States for provision of free drugs. All States/UTs have notified policy to provide essential drugs free in health facilities," the Survey said.
 Free diagnostics service initiative was also launched to address the high out of pocket expenditure (OoPE) on diagnostics and improve quality of healthcare services, it added.
 In addition, Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) are some of the new initiatives that address the issue of high OoPE on account of drugs and hospital care, the Survey said.
 According to the Survey, to address the shortage of doctors, the government has embarked on an ambitious programme for upgradation of district hospitals into medical colleges. In last 5 years, the government has sanctioned 141 new medical colleges.
 The government has also supported states to add nearly 2.51 lakh additional health human resources, it added.
 The launch of Ayushman Bharat has marked a paradigm shift in the way healthcare is delivered. Ayushman Bharat targets universal health coverage by focusing on preventive, promotive and palliative care apart from ambulatory care and by providing protection against catastrophic health expenditure for secondary and tertiary hospital care, the Survey said.
 "The focus of healthcare is on four important pillars - preventive healthcare, providing affordable healthcare, building medical infrastructure and mission mode interventions for maternal health, child health and to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases...," it added.
 With the marked increase in burden of non-communicable diseases, the government is focused on addressing this epidemiological transition from communicable diseases to noncommunicable diseases, the Survey said. AKT AKT ANU
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