Andaman and Nicobar Islands named Best UT under Ayushman Bharat for beneficiary treatment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 29 (PTI) — Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been honoured as the Best Union Territory in the 'Treatment of Beneficiaries' category under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced, officials said.

The recognition comes for the UT’s effective implementation of the AB-PMJAY scheme, ensuring seamless healthcare support for residents.

Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said, “I would like to commend the entire team for the effective implementation of AB-PMJAY. Such recognition encourages the team in continuing their public service.” The Union Territory has 83,538 AB-PMJAY beneficiaries, including 41,450 women.

To ease financial strain, authorities provide transport and wage-loss support for patients referred to empanelled mainland hospitals under portability cases. Dr P Lal, the nodal officer who received the award, explained, “To mitigate hardships faced by beneficiaries undergoing treatment outside the islands, the UT administration, through the State Health Agency, has implemented a structured transport and wage-loss compensation mechanism.”

Under the scheme, patients receive transport assistance of up to Rs 40,000 per referral and wage-loss compensation of Rs 1,000 per day for up to 20 days, funded entirely by the UT administration. Since 2020, a total of 1,659 claims have been settled, with an expenditure of Rs 2.78 crore.

The AB-PMJAY, a flagship central government health insurance programme, offers cashless coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year, providing critical support to patients and families across India.

PTI