Ayushman Sahakar Scheme, Objectives, Features, Importance

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme aims to improve the healthcare infrastructure of the country through assisting the cooperatives in participating in the same. The scheme covers all dimensions of India’s healthcare system including insurance, infrastructure, technological involvements and health sector on the lines of National Health Policy 2017. 

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Overview 

The Ayushman Sahakar Program scheme was introduced by the National Cooperative Development Corporation, an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. The scheme was launched on 19 October,2020 and received the funding for the plan from NDC. The scheme implementation responsibility is with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare and funding and formulation is responsibility of NCDC.

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Objectives

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme focuses on the promotion and improvement of health infrastructure while aligning it with other government schemes and missions of Government of Inida. The Objectives of this scheme are: 

• The scheme will aid cooperatives to invest in healthcare facilities to public with facilities. 
• Motivate the cooperatives to achieve the National Digital Health Missions and create a digital health ecosystem that supports universal health coverage. 
• The AYUSH facilities of providing six Indian medicines all over India and south Asia will be promoted through cooperatives. 
• To provide financial aid to cooperatives to contribute in building healthcare infrastructure, education and services. 

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Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Features

The features of Ayushman Sahakar Schemes include: 

• Government Initiatives that can be used to strengthen the cooperative healthcare sector in India. 
• The Ayushman Sahakar fund has a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crores which could be used for funding the cooperatives. 
• Support the modernisation of cooperative healthcare facilities.
• Support the establishment of healthcare infrastructures like clinics, diagnostics centres and hospitals.
• Adoption of modern healthcare technologies and practices. 
• Access to quality healthcare, in urban areas and more importantly in rural areas. 
• Gives more access to cooperatives to participate in government healthcare initiatives leading to healthcare infrastructure development. 

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Importance

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme is important for the following reasons- 

• Strengthens the cooperative healthcare sector.
• Improves access to quality healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Supports modernization of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers.
• Assists cooperatives in upgrading facilities and adopting new technology.
• Enhances collaboration between cooperative healthcare organizations and government programs.
• Facilitates the establishment and management of cooperative healthcare facilities.
• Provides training for healthcare professionals in cooperatives, ensuring better care delivery.
• Focuses on improving healthcare access in rural regions with limited facilities.
• Encourages research and innovation in cooperative healthcare.
• Promotes preventive health measures like exercise and balanced nutrition. 

Activities performed under Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

The Ayushman Sahakar scheme outlines the following activities eligible for NCDC assistance:

• Upgrading existing cooperative healthcare facilities and constructing new ones.
• Modernizing medical equipment and incorporating advanced technology in cooperative healthcare institutions.
• Providing training for healthcare professionals in cooperative organizations.
• Promoting research and fostering innovation within cooperative healthcare institutions.
• Enhancing the quality of healthcare services offered by cooperative organizations.
• Integrating cooperative healthcare setups with government health initiatives.
• Encouraging the adoption of digital healthcare solutions and telemedicine in cooperatives.
• Supporting preventive healthcare measures, health awareness campaigns, and community health programs through cooperative organizations.