Ayushman Arogya Mandir

Ayushman Arogya Mandir is an initiative under the Indian public health system that promotes a shift from selective care to holistic wellness by offering inclusive and comprehensive healthcare services—from preventive to rehabilitative—at the grassroots level.
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3 min
15-Jun-2023

Moving beyond selective healthcare, the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative is establishing a network of health and wellness centers to deliver a wide spectrum of services. This article delves into the core objectives, key advantages, essential components, and other vital aspects of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme, highlighting its transformative approach to healthcare in India.

Ayushman Arogya Mandir – An overview

Given below is a brief overview of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme:

Scheme name Ayushman Arogya Mandir
Launched on April 18, 2018
Role of Ayushman Arogya Mandir To deliver primary healthcare, which is universal and free for all beneficiaries.
Two components Primary healthcarePradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

 

What is Ayushman Arogya Mandir?

Through 1.64 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, comprehensive primary healthcare is delivered by enhancing Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs). These Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) offer preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, and curative care across a broad spectrum of services, including reproductive and child healthcare, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and other health issues.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are designed to provide an expanded range of services that extend beyond maternal and child healthcare, encompassing care for non-communicable diseases, palliative and rehabilitative care, oral, eye, and ENT care, mental health, and first-level care for emergencies and trauma. They also include free essential drugs and diagnostic services.

What Is the objective of Ayushman Arogya Mandir?

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a major focus of the 12th Five-Year Plan, and the Government of India (GoI) has outlined a roadmap that emphasizes accessible, high-quality healthcare through the public system. A key component of this vision is the delivery of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), with a strong need for evidence-based innovations to strengthen primary healthcare services.

To support this goal, the GoI has introduced a plan to upgrade selected Sub-Centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as part of the National Health Policy 2017, which was approved by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15 March 2017. These upgraded centers aim to provide comprehensive primary care by strengthening existing Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) at the sector level. Each Ayushman Arogya Mandir will be linked to a Block PHC and staffed with an additional B.A.M.S. doctor or B.Sc. Nursing professional, along with other human resources as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) guidelines.

Ayushman Arogya Mandir – Timelines

The journey of Ayushman Arogya Mandir, a pivotal initiative for comprehensive primary healthcare, began on April 18th, 2018, with the launch of its first center in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. This marked the beginning of a rapid expansion, with over 17,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs becoming operational in the first year itself (2018-19), exceeding the initial target of 15,000.

Here's a look at the significant milestones achieved:

  • February 2018: The groundwork was laid with the budget announcement for Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
  • April 2018: The first HWC was inaugurated in Bijapur, accompanied by the launch of the CPHC application.
  • May 2018: A national consultation on Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) was held, fostering collaboration and shaping the program's direction.
  • July 2018: Crucial operational guidelines for Comprehensive Primary Health Care were finalized, providing a framework for implementation.
  • March 2019: A significant milestone was reached with the operationalization of over 17,000 Health and Wellness Centres across the nation.
  • 2022: The program achieved remarkable scale, with over 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres made operational, demonstrating its widespread reach.

How Ayushman Arogya Mandir supports healthcare in india

Ayushman Arogya Mandir is significantly bolstering India's healthcare infrastructure by establishing a widespread network of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). These HWCs are crucial in shifting the focus towards comprehensive primary healthcare, offering a range of services beyond just treating illnesses.   

  • Expanded access: By creating easily accessible health centers, even in remote areas, it ensures more people can receive essential healthcare services closer to their homes, reducing the burden on higher-level facilities.   
  • Preventive focus: A key aspect is the emphasis on preventive and promotive care, including health screenings, wellness activities, and awareness campaigns, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of diseases.   
  • Continuity of care: These Mandirs provide a continuum of care, linking communities with the broader healthcare system and facilitating timely referrals when specialized treatment is required.   
  • Reduced out-of-pocket expenses: By offering a wide array of services at the primary level, the scheme aims to decrease the financial burden on individuals for healthcare needs. 

Who Can Benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir?

The Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative is designed to benefit a broad spectrum of the Indian population, particularly those residing in underserved areas.

  • Rural communities: Individuals in villages and remote regions gain access to essential primary healthcare services that might have previously been distant or unavailable.
  • Economically weaker sections: The scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures, making quality healthcare more affordable for vulnerable populations.
  • Women and children: With a focus on maternal and child health services, pregnant women, new mothers, and children receive crucial preventive and curative care.
  • Individuals with chronic conditions: The HWCs provide ongoing management and support for common non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, improving their quality of life.
  • The General population: Ultimately, the strengthening of primary healthcare benefits everyone by creating a healthier nation and reducing the strain on higher levels of the healthcare system.

Services offered by Ayushman Arogya Mandir

The expansion of services has been planned incrementally. As an initial step, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have introduced screening, prevention, control, and management of non-communicable diseases and chronic communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy.

  • Care in pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Neonatal and infant health care services
  • Childhood and adolescent health care services.
  • Family planning, contraceptive services, and other reproductive health care services
  • Management of communicable diseases: National health programs
  • Management of common communicable diseases and general out-patient care for acute simple illnesses and minor ailments
  • Screening, prevention, control, and management of non-communicable diseases and chronic communicable diseases like TB and Leprosy
  • Basic oral health care
  • Care for common Ophthalmic and ENT problems
  • Elderly and palliative health care services
  • Emergency medical services

Screening and Basic management of Mental health ailment

How to Register for Ayushman Arogya Mandir Services

Accessing the benefits of Ayushman Arogya Mandir is designed to be straightforward within the community:

  • Visit your nearest centre: Locate your local Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Health and Wellness Centre) and directly approach the staff for registration. They will guide you through the process.
  • Engage with local health workers: ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and Anganwadi workers often play a key role in facilitating registration and providing information at the grassroots level.
  • Carry basic identification: While specific documentation needs might differ slightly, carrying a valid photo ID is generally recommended for registration purposes at the centre.
  • Participate in community outreach: Be informed about any health camps or community outreach programs organized by the Arogya Mandir, as registration is frequently conducted during these initiatives.

Components of Ayushman Arogya Mandir

Key components of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) include:

  • Continuum of care – Tele-health
  • Medicines and expanding diagnostics
  • Financing/Provider payment reforms
  • Robust IT system
  • Expended service delivery
  • Partnership for knowledge implementation
  • Expanding HR and multiskilling
  • Community mobilization and health promotion

The Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative is a transformative step towards comprehensive healthcare access in India. By providing extensive coverage and reducing financial burdens, it significantly enhances the health insurance landscape, ensuring that quality medical care is accessible to all, particularly the underserved and economically disadvantaged populations.

Government Initiatives Linked to Ayushman Arogya Mandir

The Ayushman Arogya Mandir is strategically linked with several key government initiatives to create a robust and comprehensive healthcare ecosystem:

  • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): The HWCs serve as the primary healthcare front for AB-PMJAY, facilitating access to empanelled hospitals for secondary and tertiary care for eligible beneficiaries identified at the Mandir level.
  • National Health Mission (NHM): The NHM provides the overarching framework and resources for strengthening the public health system, including the establishment and operationalization of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country.
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan: Recognizing the crucial link between nutrition and health, the Arogya Mandirs often collaborate with POSHAN Abhiyaan to deliver nutritional services and promote healthy dietary practices within communities.
  • Digital India Initiative: Efforts are underway to integrate digital health records and platforms within the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network, aligning with the broader Digital India vision for efficient and accessible healthcare information.
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: The emphasis on hygiene and sanitation under Swachh Bharat complements the preventive healthcare focus of the Arogya Mandirs in creating healthier communities.

Conclusion

Ayushman Arogya Mandir represents a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage in India. By integrating preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services under one roof, it ensures accessible and affordable healthcare for all, especially in rural and underserved areas. This initiative not only strengthens the foundation of primary healthcare but also highlights the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, such as improved accessibility, reduced out-of-pocket expenses, and enhanced quality of care. With its people-centric approach, Ayushman Arogya Mandir is paving the way for a healthier and more equitable India.

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Frequently asked questions

What services are available at Ayushman Arogya Mandir?
Ayushman Arogya Mandir offers health insurance enrollment, medical check-ups, diagnostic services, specialist consultations, treatment for chronic diseases, and preventive health care education to enhance community well-being.

How can I book an appointment at Ayushman Arogya Mandir?
To book an appointment at Ayushman Arogya Mandir, visit their official website or contact their helpline. You can also visit their center directly for in-person scheduling and assistance.

What is Ayushman Arogya Mandir?

Ayushman Arogya Mandir, also known as Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), is a flagship initiative by the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat program. It aims to transform the healthcare system by establishing a network of primary healthcare centers that provide a comprehensive range of services. These services include not only curative care for common illnesses but also preventive care (like screenings), promotive care (health education and wellness activities), rehabilitative care, and palliative care. The goal is to move beyond a selective approach to healthcare and ensure accessible, affordable, and quality primary healthcare services closer to people's homes.

How many Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are there in India?

As of 2022, over 1.5 lakh (150,000) Health and Wellness Centres (Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) had been operationalized across India. This number is continuously evolving as the government works towards strengthening the primary healthcare infrastructure nationwide.

When was Ayushman Arogya Mandir launched?

The first Ayushman Arogya Mandir was launched on April 18th, 2018, in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. This marked the beginning of the operationalization of the Health and Wellness Centre component under the broader Ayushman Bharat program.

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