India witnesses the historic launch of Ayushman Bharat, Max Bupa Health Insurance welcomes the initiative

Chennai, September 24, 2018: Max Bupa – one of India’s leading standalone health insurance players – has welcomed the pioneering move by the Government of India, Ayushmann Bharat— Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana on the occasion of its launch by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi in the State of Jharkhand.

The ambitious scheme which is set to cover about 10 crore poor families across the country, has been envisaged to bring a far-reaching influence on the current healthcare ecosystem, by providing affordable healthcare to the lowest level of the populace. With only about 15% of the total population having any kind of health cover, the scheme is anticipated to increase the overall penetration of health insurance by creating awareness and making healthcare facilities accessible for one and all.  
 

On the occasion, Mr. Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Max Bupa Health Insurance said “Ayushman Bharat is definitely a landmark reform for the sector, targeted to serve approx.10 crore families from the economically weaker sections of the society. Ayushman Bharat is an entitlement based scheme which will help in comprehensively covering the targeted population. We truly believe that the scheme will have a positive impact on the current healthcare ecosystem in the country, in lieu of the rising medical inflation, with people spending about 60-65% on out of pocket expenses.

In addition to a varied number of benefits such as 5 lakh cover per family, cashless hospitalization coverage, pre & post hospitalization benefits, inclusion of about 1300 critical medical procedures, etc. the scheme is focused on preventive healthcare with the opening of wellness centres and specialty hospitals across states, which are envisioned to be an integral part of the success of the scheme. 

We hereby welcome the move and hope that it fulfills its purpose of providing affordable and accessible healthcare to the masses, thus leading to higher penetration of health insurance in the country which is the need of the hour."

31 states and Union Territories have signed MoUs so far with the Centre to implement the programme over the next two to three months after the launch. The scheme has no restriction on family size, age and gender and the process to avail the services is also fairly simple with no registration required. A health card would be provided to the beneficiaries once they show an election ID or ration card for availing the benefits instantly. Furthermore, the scheme will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service in government and listed private hospitals.