Ayushman Bharat: An Account of Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders toward Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

Abstract Ayushman Bharat Program was started by the Government of India as an ambitious scheme to provide financial protection to families across the country. The program also envisions to upgrade the existing grassroots level health system and converting the existing subhealth centers into health and wellness centers which would cater to a range of services based on the principle of comprehensive primary healthcare. The program is believed to bring in changes in the country however the same is not devoid of criticism owing to several of the reasons built into it. Thus, there are applauses in some parts and by certain sections of the society and there is criticism as well. The program can be made successful with the involvement of several stakeholders with their pertinent contributions and participation. The program is also said to bring in positive changes in the much-awaited universal health coverage arena however there are still some criticism on this. As the program is rightly said as the National Health Protection Mission thus it is expected that the insurance sector can contribute positively by risk pooling among the beneficiaries. The health system, both public and private, are the key pillars in the program as they would render critical health services to the masses who would otherwise access the health services at their doorstep. The nongovernmental organizations and the civil society organizations, being the proximate part of the society, can disseminate the message and bring about positive changes in their concerned communities. The state government has a pivotal role to play on many fronts, be it implementation or financial contribution. The political parties, both in power and in opposition as well, should come in one tune to make the program successful. The health-care providers and the pharmaceutical industry also play an important role as they are directly involved in the service provision. Most importantly the common citizen should also act proactively and be aware of the benefits of such schemes which would ultimately bring about fruition in the program. This opinion paper takes into account the roles and responsibilities of all these stakeholders in implementing such a grand program in the country with a focus on universal health coverage.