The journey of Ayushman Arogya Mandir, a pivotal initiative for comprehensive primary healthcare, began on April 18th, 2018, with the launch of its first center in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. This marked the beginning of a rapid expansion, with over 17,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs becoming operational in the first year itself (2018-19), exceeding the initial target of 15,000.
Here's a look at the significant milestones achieved:
- February 2018: The groundwork was laid with the budget announcement for Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
- April 2018: The first HWC was inaugurated in Bijapur, accompanied by the launch of the CPHC application.
- May 2018: A national consultation on Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) was held, fostering collaboration and shaping the program's direction.
- July 2018: Crucial operational guidelines for Comprehensive Primary Health Care were finalized, providing a framework for implementation.
- March 2019: A significant milestone was reached with the operationalization of over 17,000 Health and Wellness Centres across the nation.
- 2022: The program achieved remarkable scale, with over 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres made operational, demonstrating its widespread reach.
How Ayushman Arogya Mandir supports healthcare in india
Ayushman Arogya Mandir is significantly bolstering India's healthcare infrastructure by establishing a widespread network of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). These HWCs are crucial in shifting the focus towards comprehensive primary healthcare, offering a range of services beyond just treating illnesses.
- Expanded access: By creating easily accessible health centers, even in remote areas, it ensures more people can receive essential healthcare services closer to their homes, reducing the burden on higher-level facilities.
- Preventive focus: A key aspect is the emphasis on preventive and promotive care, including health screenings, wellness activities, and awareness campaigns, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of diseases.
- Continuity of care: These Mandirs provide a continuum of care, linking communities with the broader healthcare system and facilitating timely referrals when specialized treatment is required.
- Reduced out-of-pocket expenses: By offering a wide array of services at the primary level, the scheme aims to decrease the financial burden on individuals for healthcare needs.
More than 70 tests Will Be free in Ayushman Arogya Mandir
One of the major highlights of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is the provision of over 70 diagnostic tests completely free of cost. These tests include routine blood work, urine tests, screening for common infections, blood sugar monitoring, cholesterol levels, liver and kidney function tests, thyroid function, and many more. Free diagnostic services ensure that people from rural and underserved areas can identify health problems at an early stage without worrying about expenses.
By offering such a wide range of free tests, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs aim to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs and promote preventive healthcare. Early detection of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses helps in timely treatment and better health outcomes. Alongside these services, securing a health insurance plan can further protect individuals by covering hospitalisation, advanced diagnostics, and treatment costs beyond what is available at these centres.
Who Can Benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir?
The Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative is designed to benefit a broad spectrum of the Indian population, particularly those residing in underserved areas.
- Rural communities: Individuals in villages and remote regions gain access to essential primary healthcare services that might have previously been distant or unavailable.
- Economically weaker sections: The scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures, making quality healthcare more affordable for vulnerable populations.
- Women and children: With a focus on maternal and child health services, pregnant women, new mothers, and children receive crucial preventive and curative care.
- Individuals with chronic conditions: The HWCs provide ongoing management and support for common non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, improving their quality of life.
- The General population: Ultimately, the strengthening of primary healthcare benefits everyone by creating a healthier nation and reducing the strain on higher levels of the healthcare system.
Eligibility criteria for Ayushman Arogya Mandir
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are designed to make primary healthcare accessible to all sections of society, especially in rural and underserved areas. These centres do not impose strict eligibility rules, but priority is given to:
Individuals from rural and low-income households
Pregnant women, children, and the elderly
People with chronic or non-communicable diseases
Communities lacking access to regular healthcare facilities
Anyone seeking basic medical services can avail treatment and free diagnostic facilities at these centres.
Services offered by Ayushman Arogya Mandir
The expansion of services has been planned incrementally. As an initial step, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have introduced screening, prevention, control, and management of non-communicable diseases and chronic communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy.
- Care in pregnancy and childbirth.
- Neonatal and infant health care services
- Childhood and adolescent health care services.
- Family planning, contraceptive services, and other reproductive health care services
- Management of communicable diseases: National health programs
- Management of common communicable diseases and general out-patient care for acute simple illnesses and minor ailments
- Screening, prevention, control, and management of non-communicable diseases and chronic communicable diseases like TB and Leprosy
- Care for common Ophthalmic and ENT problems
- Elderly and palliative health care services
- Emergency medical services
Screening and Basic management of Mental health ailment
How to Register for Ayushman Arogya Mandir Services
Accessing the benefits of Ayushman Arogya Mandir is designed to be straightforward within the community:
- Visit your nearest centre: Locate your local Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Health and Wellness Centre) and directly approach the staff for registration. They will guide you through the process.
- Engage with local health workers: ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and Anganwadi workers often play a key role in facilitating registration and providing information at the grassroots level.
- Carry basic identification: While specific documentation needs might differ slightly, carrying a valid photo ID is generally recommended for registration purposes at the centre.
- Participate in community outreach: Be informed about any health camps or community outreach programs organized by the Arogya Mandir, as registration is frequently conducted during these initiatives.
Documents required for Ayushman Arogya Mandir
To access the facilities at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, individuals may need to provide basic identification and medical records. Commonly required documents include:
Aadhaar card or any government-issued photo ID
Address proof (if applicable)
Previous medical records or prescriptions for ongoing treatment
These documents help ensure smooth registration and better continuity of care.
