‘Ayushman Bharat can override public health system’: DASE asks TN to opt out

Dr GR Ravindranath, the general secretary of DASE, said, “The scheme will only boost the status of corporate hospitals and third-party administrators.  It will not provide treatment options for common ailments for the beneficiaries. For example, they will be unable to cover the treatment for cold, cough and diarrhoea, etc.”

The scheme – offering Rs 5 lakh per family every year -- is expected to benefit more than 50 crore people, with respect to secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation through a host of healthcare providers. It offers insurance for more than a thousand conditions, including kidney disease, heart and liver diseases.

Ravindranath pointed out that the scheme would not be able to reach those below poverty line, who need assistance the most when it comes to health coverage. He said, “Five states have not opted for it and the Tamil Nadu government by signing up for it has gone against the pride of the state. The focus should ideally be on strengthening the public health system.”

The association has also protested against the replacement of the Medical Council of India with the proposed National Medical Commission.” The move has disrespected the protest by doctors and has gone against democracy by promulgating an ordinance,” he said.