The government of Karnataka has opted to launch a universal health scheme named Rajiv Arogya Bhagya. It is expected to help all citizens in the state by providing either subsidized or free health care. This facility would include emergency care and would be available at government hospitals as well as private facilities that are on the state government’s panel for this particular program. The program is supposed to incorporate seven healthcare programs that are already being run by the state government.
About Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme on Healthcare in Karnataka:
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The government has already set aside INR 869.4 crore for the program. This is however only the annual cost for running the programme. While briefing the media on this issue, TB Jayachandra, the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Karnataka, stated that the program will cover 1.4 crore households as per Category A. They will be able to get healthcare for free and will not need to pay anything for any treatment availed by them. This includes entities such as the following:
- Farmers
- Teachers from aided schools
- Anganwadi workers
- Unorganized laborers such as auto drivers, porters, rag pickers, mining workers, street vendors, construction workers, weavers, sanitation workers, and MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) workers
- SC (scheduled caste)/ ST (scheduled tribe)
- Pourakarmikas
- Animal bite victims
- Mediapersons
- Members of co-operative societies
- Government employees
The remaining people in the state have been classed under Group B. These people will get 30% of their healthcare expenses reimbursed by the state government.
Impact of Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme on Healthcare in Karnataka:
The plan comprises 1393 defined packages, one tentative surgical package, and 24 fields of specialization. Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme will now include Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Mental Health, ENT, Ophthalmology, Oral Health, Geriatric & Palliative Health Care, and Trauma Care in addition to the existing services for Reproductive and Child Health (RCH), and infectious diseases. The Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) will also provide free diagnostic and drug services to expand the range of medical tests and treatments available.
Diseases Excluded under Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme List:
While the Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme covers a wide range of ailments and medical procedures, certain diseases and medical conditions are excluded from the Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme. Some of these diseases and medical conditions are:
- Outpatient department (OPD) consultations and procedures
- Fertility-related treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Cosmetic surgeries and procedures
- Dental treatments and procedures
- HIV/AIDS treatment
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation
Eligible Beneficiaries for Arogya Karnataka Scheme:
Eligible Patient: A patient who is a resident of Karnataka State and belongs to an “Eligible Household” as defined under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
General Patient: A patient who is a resident of Karnataka State but does not come under the definition of “Eligible Household” as defined under the National Food Security Act, 2013, or does not produce the eligible household card. The treatment cost will be on a co-payment basis.