MP Arora Urges Union Minister for Inclusion of Primary Healthcare Costs Under Ayushman Bharat

Ludhiana, September 24, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora has written to the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda urging him to include Primary Healthcare Cost Coverage under Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme.

Arora wrote to the Minister that the health and well-being of many citizens is getting affected due to the exclusion of outpatient department (OPD) services from the Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme.

He wrote that current data from the National Health Systems Resource Centre indicates that approximately 70% of health consultations in India occur in outpatient settings. OPD services are vital for timely diagnosis and treatment; however, many families face significant financial barriers to accessing these services. Also investing in primary healthcare can yield economic returns of approximately $4 for every $1 spent, as reported by the World Bank. Furthermore, it not only makes healthcare services more accessible but can also prevent the escalation of health issues that require more costly interventions later.

Arora has also take-up the issue of financial burden on households and mentioned in his communication that the National Sample Survey (2017) reveals that nearly 60% of households experience financial hardship due to healthcare costs, with a large portion stemming from outpatient expenses. The average OPD visit costs between 300 and 1,500, making it unaffordable for many. Moreover, the World Health Organization estimates that out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for about 62% of total health expenditure in India, which exacerbates the financial strain on families.

He said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates that up to 80% of non-communicable diseases can be effectively managed with timely outpatient care. The lack of coverage for these services under Ayushman Bharat often results in delayed treatment and increased hospitalizations, which could be avoided. Research published in the Lancet Global Health journal shows that countries with robust outpatient care systems experience a 20% reduction in hospital admissions, significantly lowering overall healthcare costs.

Giving a global perspective, Arora pointed out that countries like Thailand and Brazil, have successfully integrated outpatient care into their health systems. For instance, Thailand's Universal Coverage Scheme includes outpatient services and has led to a 30% decrease in hospital admissions. Similarly, Brazil's Family Health Strategy has demonstrated improved health outcomes, especially in maternal and child health.

He said investing in primary healthcare can yield economic returns of approximately $4 for every $1 spent, as reported by the World Bank. A healthier population enhances productivity, which is crucial for our nation's growth. Furthermore, addressing outpatient care can prevent the escalation of health issues that require more costly interventions later.

Concluding, Arora strongly urged the Minister to prioritize the inclusion of OPD services in all the medical health service providing institutions which operate under Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme. This enhancement would not only alleviate financial burdens on families but also improve the overall effectiveness of our healthcare system.