The Chhattisgarh government may soon shut down the smart card scheme under Ayushman Bharat and the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), launched for the treatment of the poor by the Narendra Modi, and replace them with a different one. The Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in the state plans to usher in the “Health for All” scheme that will reportedly benefit six lakh people in the Raigarh district.
Under this new scheme, reported Dainik Bhaskar, people will be able to avail treatment in both private and government hospitals without a smart card. Earlier, during a review meeting of the Health Department, Health Minister TS Singhdev had said that he would start the new scheme as doctors have opposed Ayushman for some time.
The Ayushman scheme was implemented across India in September 2108, except for non-BJP ruled states like Delhi, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab and Telangana. Chhattisgarh may now follow suit.
Dr Prashant Agarwal, the former president of IMA, told Dainik Bhaskar that the Ayushman scheme does not provide for paediatrics and a few severe illnesses, adding that the biggest problem is in the software of the scheme that inconveniences people.
There are more than 1350 diseases covered under the new scheme. Cardiology, cancer care, neurosurgery and neonatal care have also been included. The scheme will consist of medical examinations, operations and treatment.