In a landmark development, President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the Ayushman Bhava campaign through a virtual ceremony, marking a significant step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility in Himachal Pradesh. The launch event saw the participation of Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Health Ministers from all states via video conferencing.
President Launches Ayushman Bhava: A Health Revolution In Himachal Pradesh
The virtual launch ceremony also featured the honorable Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, and Health Minister Colonel (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil. During the state-level launch ceremony, Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi provided a comprehensive overview of the campaign’s three major components:
Ayushman Melas: These health fairs will be held every Saturday at Health Wellness Centers, including Health Sub-Centers, Primary Health Centers, and UPHCs. From Monday to Friday, dedicated health workers and Anganwadi workers will conduct door-to-door screenings for Blood Pressure, Sugar, T.B., and Leprosy among eligible populations. The campaign aims to screen an estimated 25 lakh people above 30 years of age, with 3 lakh already screened for Blood Pressure and Diabetes. This initiative involves visiting 19 lakh households and screening 64 lakh individuals for T.B. and Leprosy.
Ayushman AapkeDwaar 3.0: This component ensures the distribution of Ayushman cards to all eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana, leaving no one behind. Out of 15.95 lakh eligible beneficiaries in the state, 11.37 lakh Ayushman cards have already been issued, with the remaining 4.58 lakh beneficiaries expected to receive their cards during this campaign.
Ayushman Sabha: Scheduled for October 2, 2023, Ayushman Sabha will be organized in all Gram Panchayats and Urban wards, focusing on raising awareness about various healthcare schemes. During these meetings, Ayushman Cards and ABHA IDs will be distributed, and Panchayats and wards achieving a 100% target will be recognized as “Ayushman Gram Panchayat” or “Ayushman Urban Ward.”
In addition to these core components, the campaign encompasses activities such as Swachhta Abhiyan, Organ donation, Blood donation, and more, running from September 17 to October 2, 2023.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Colonel (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized that Ayushman cards will be distributed to all eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana. He highlighted that Ayushman Melas will be conducted at 58 Aadarsh Swasthay Kendra and district hospitals in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, where people’s blood pressure and sugar levels will be checked. This initiative involves visiting 19 lakh households and screening 64 lakh eligible individuals for tuberculosis.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla commended the collaborative efforts that have led to positive changes in India’s healthcare sector. He acknowledged the country’s swift development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and praised Himachal Pradesh for achieving a 100% COVID-19 vaccination rate. He expressed optimism that the Ayushman Bhava campaign would further enhance the state’s health indices. Governor Shukla also noted the effective implementation of the Prime Minister T.B. Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the state’s promising progress in eradicating tuberculosis.
The Ayushman Bhava campaign, organized as Seva Pakhwada from September 17 to October 2, will continue through December. During this extensive campaign, widespread awareness will be raised about various health schemes, focusing on the three core components: Ayushman Aapke Dwar, Ayushman Mela, and Ayushman Sabha, aimed at benefiting a vast number of people.
In conjunction with the launch, the Governor issued “Ayushman Bhava” operational guidelines, and an organ donation oath-taking event took place. Notably, Nikshay Mitras, instrumental in realizing the vision of a TB-free Himachal, were also honored during the event.
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