A bird's-eye view of the poll promises made by political parties to voters indicates a shift towards socialism and welfare politics, aiming to provide a financial boost to the people. This trend has become particularly evident in the post-COVID era, with promises of financial incentives for the public. Recently, we have analyzed how women-centric financial schemes are being launched by various state governments. Additionally, a notable feature is that parties and governments are introducing health insurance schemes for citizens, enabling them to receive treatment in private hospitals either free of charge or at very low costs.

State Governments Health Schemes

Sanjeevani Yojana by AAP in Delhi

In light of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, AAP chief and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that if AAP returns to power, all citizens aged 60 and above will receive free healthcare in both private and government hospitals. This scheme, named Sanjeevani, will have no income cap for eligibility. Kejriwal and the AAP government had faced criticism for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in Delhi, and some MPs even approached the court over this matter.

Now, the Sanjeevani scheme promises to serve as an alternative to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched by the Modi government in 2018.

Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme

Launched in 2007 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister Dr. YSR Reddy, the Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme was designed to provide financial assistance to low-income families in the state, enabling them to access quality healthcare services.

Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana (MA Yojana) - Gujarat

Launched by the Gujarat state government in 2012, this scheme aims to provide financial support to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, helping them access high-quality medical and surgical treatment for their health needs.

Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is an ambitious health initiative by the Narendra Modi government, aiming to provide health coverage to all citizens, especially in rural areas and for vulnerable groups. The program seeks to improve healthcare at all levels, from basic care to more complex treatments. Recently, the scheme was expanded to provide health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.

Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana - Rajasthan

Rajasthan was one of the pioneers in providing health insurance to its people. The Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana was launched in 2015 by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, with the objective of reducing healthcare expenses for the state's citizens.

Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana - Rajasthan

Launched in 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana revolutionized the health sector in Rajasthan by providing free treatment in private hospitals for those in need. Initially offering free treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs, the coverage was later increased to Rs. 10 lakhs. In the 2023-24 budget, the coverage was further raised to Rs. 25 lakhs, and accident coverage was also added under the scheme.

Also Read: Ashok Gehlot Biography: Early Life, Education, Family and Political Career

Conclusion

There may be many more schemes which have been implemented by various state governments to ease the burden of medical cost of the people of the country who are usually seen avoiding putting a step on the doors of private hospitals. Such schemes make healthcare affordable and accessible for the poorest of the poor. It is also time that social security schemes are not put into the bracket of revdi as these schemes are essential for betterment of marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.