Question : Pandemic Fund

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that only 4 to 5 percent of population is covered under health insurance in the country;

(b) if so, the reasons for such low coverage thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to set up a specific pandemic fund to support the uninsured population at the time of need in any pandemic crisis; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (d):Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, has informed that the number of lives covered under health insurance was 51.47 crore in the Financial Year 2020-21. This includes Government sponsored schemes like Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and other State Government sponsored schemes.
Services for COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination are free for all citizens in Government health facilities. The Government of India provides financial and technical support to States/UTs under Emergency COVID Response Package (ECRP) to strengthen their health infrastructure for immediate response to the pandemic.
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