Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister announced a unique health insurance under Universal Health Assurance Mission (UHAM) of the Central Government and claimed that the programme will be recognised as the ‘largest public health insurance programme’ in the world. The insurance scheme will be free for people below the poverty line (BPL) and those above this limit can avail health insurance at a very low premium.
The health minster said, ‘Currently, only 25% of population are availing health insurance benefits. The Government will promote this scheme so as to increase the number of insured population. This will cause a rapid decrease in the premium rates and result additional benefits to the consumer. An autonomous health agency will be formed to look into this matter and steps will be taken to ensure better protection of the insured and improve the operational process. ‘ He further added that a group of experts under health ministry were bought on-board to develop a blue-print for the universal health mission. This group has completed its assigned task within eight weeks of its formation and currently the report is under consideration of the health ministry.
The minister said that his ministry has focussed on promoting healthcare in the nation and that he was never against the UPA Government’s decision to introduce rural cadre health professionals at primary health centres. He further added that he is dependent on the state government to convince their doctors towards efficient use of antibiotics. In case a good quality generic drugs are available in the market, then the healthcare professionals can recommend the use of these medications by the people.
Harsh Vardhan further said, ‘I was in favour of National Eligibility Test (NET) for medical entrances but unfortunately, the Supreme Court rejected it. We have filed a review petition and are monitoring it.’ The new Government plans to empower the states so as to help them in finding solutions to health problems. With optimal usage of the cutting-edge molecular medicine and innovative bioengineering techniques, the nation is striving hard to become a world leader in research. He further said that three new bills to regularize health research and improve clinical practices have been finalized.
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