Question : Wellness Centres for Fishermen and Farmers

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to setup National Wellness Centres for Farmers and Fishermen across the country with free medical facility;

(b) if so, the details thereof and steps being taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) the time by which the Government is likely to setup National Wellness Centre for Farmers and Fishermen and the steps taken to provide round the clock emergency medical facility across the country; and

(d) if so, details of funds allocated to initiate this setup?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (d): As per the budget announcement 2017-18, 1.5 lakh Health Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres are being transformed into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for provision of comprehensive primary care that includes preventive and health promotion at the community level with continuum of care approach across the country for all population including Farmers and Fishermen.

The AB-HWCs will provide an expanded range of services to include care for non - communicable diseases, palliative and rehabilitative care, Oral, Eye and ENT care, mental health and first level care for emergencies and trauma as well as Health promotion and wellness activities like Yoga apart from services already being provided for Maternal and Child Health including immunization and communicable diseases.

So far, approvals for 52,744 Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) have been accorded and as reported by the States/UTs, 18,705 Health & Wellness Centres are operationalized till 31st May, 2019.

“Public Health & Hospitals” being a State subject, the primary responsibility of provision of healthcare including emergency medical facilities is that of respective State Government.

However, under NHM, support is being provided to States/UTs for strengthening their healthcare system including emergency healthcare on the basis of proposals received from them in their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).