a) whether the Government has conducted any study that suggests that poverty is the major reason for diseases;
b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and
c) the steps taken by the Government to prevent deaths due to poverty?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a) to (c): Health is a State subject and the primary responsibility to provide healthcare services to all the citizens of the country lies with the State Government. Government has taken several initiatives for supplementing the efforts of the States for providing quality and affordable healthcare services to the people. One of the underlying principles in the National Health Policy 2017 is equity which envisions greater investments and financial protection to the poor who suffer the largest burden of disease.
Through the 2 pillars of Ayushman Bharat that is Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) and Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (PM-JAY), the Primary, secondary and tertiary health care system is strengthened.
• AB-HWC -With the objective of delivering comprehensive primary health care, closer to the homes of people 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) are targeted to be set up. More than 80,143, HWCs are functional as on 21.11.2021.
• PM-JAY- It is the largest health assurance scheme providing a health cover of Rs 5 lakhs per year for secondary and tertiary care to approximately 50 cr beneficiaries from poor and vulnerable families.
In addition, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) aims to establish All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in all the States in the Country in a phased manner and upgradation of the medical colleges. Setting up of 22 AIIMS has been sanctioned so far under the Scheme. Essential medicines and diagnostics are provided to beneficiaries under Free Essential Diagnostics Service Initiative under National Health Mission. Under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, dialysis services are provided free to patients below the poverty line (BPL) and at nominal costs to others through Public-Private Partnerships. Further, under Pradhan Mantri Janaushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP) quality medicines at affordable price are provided to the masses through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Kendra (PMBJK) across the country.
Under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), all services including, drugs, diagnostics, transport, diet, blood transfusion (if necessary) are provided free to all pregnant women and children upto the age of one year. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) provided financial incentives to mothers who underwent institutional deliveries. Free Treatment for TB under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme is available for TB at all Government hospitals, Community Health Centers (CHC), Primary Health Centers (PHCs). The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram is a new initiative aimed at screening over 27 Crore children from 0 to 18 years for 4 Ds -Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Development Delays including Disabilities. Children diagnosed with illnesses receive follow up including surgeries at tertiary level, free-of-cost. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan program aims to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month.
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