Affiliation:
1. Department of SPM, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India
2. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The government of India consistently aims to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), but significant challenges in workforce, infrastructure, and service quality remain. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme, launched in 2018, represents a major step toward UHC by providing health coverage to over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to determine the magnitude of medical procedures performed before and after the implementation of the PM-JAY scheme and assess changes in the frequency of these procedures as a result of the scheme.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional study at Government Medical College and its associated hospitals in Srinagar, empaneled under the PM-JAY scheme. Data were collected on surgical procedures performed in the departments of General Surgery, Ophthalmology, ENT, and Orthopaedics during two periods: before the scheme’s implementation (June 2017 to November 2017) and after its implementation (December 2021 to June 2022). Descriptive analysis was conducted to compare the frequency of procedures.
RESULTS:
The number of ophthalmology procedures significantly increased from 2634 before the implementation to 3443 after the implementation of the PM-JAY scheme. However, the frequency of procedures in General Surgery and ENT remained relatively stable, and Orthopaedics showed no significant change. The data indicated an overall increase in surgical procedures under the PM-JAY scheme, particularly in areas where surgeries were previously delayed due to financial constraints.
CONCLUSION:
The PM-JAY scheme has positively impacted the frequency of surgical procedures, particularly in the Ophthalmology department, suggesting increased accessibility and financial protection for patients. However, the stable numbers in General Surgery and ENT highlight the need for further targeted interventions to enhance the scheme’s reach and effectiveness across all departments.