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Karnataka argues that under the current Ayushman Bharat scheme for BPL card holders, the Union government is spending only 30-40 per cent on the scheme, while the state is spending more than 70 per cent as the Centre identifies beneficiaries based on outdated data from…Read More
State health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao argues that the Centre should fund at least 60 per cent of the scheme, especially when it’s a centrally sponsored scheme. (PTI)
The Ayushman Bharat senior citizen scheme is yet to take off in Karnataka because of a stand-off between the state and the Centre over cost sharing.
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme offers Rs 5 lakh health insurance to senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income.
Karnataka argues that under the current Ayushman Bharat scheme for BPL card holders, the Union government is spending only 30-40 per cent on the scheme, while the state is spending more than 70 per cent because the Centre identifies beneficiaries based on outdated data from 2011 while the state government has updated the data through ration cards.
Karnataka argues that population and migration have increased, thereby leading to an increase in the number of eligible BPL beneficiaries. The Centre provides only Rs 1,052 per family, while Karnataka is spending more than Rs 2,500 per family, leading to a huge financial burden. Karnataka has asked the anomaly to be fixed before moving ahead with the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat senior citizen scheme.
State health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao argues that the Centre should fund at least 60 per cent of the scheme, especially when it’s a centrally sponsored scheme. “It is a good scheme, but we cannot bear 75 per cent of the cost while they bear 25 per cent. I wrote to the Centre a few months ago but there was no response. I will write once again,” he said.
Karnataka has also argued that there is no need to ask people to get an Ayushman Bharat card when the Aadhaar card is enough to verify their details in the database and provide treatment. The state argued that citizens above the age of 70 years are being denied the benefits of the scheme in the absence of the card.
The tug-of-war between the Centre and the state has left Karnataka’s residents high and dry. Lalithamba’s father had to be hospitalised in December after he fell ill but when she tried to avail the free treatment under Ayushman Bharat senior citizen scheme, she was told that the scheme is yet to be operationalised in the state.
“We got the Ayushman Bharat card. But it has not been implemented yet. My father has been at a private hospital for a month, and senior citizens find the insurance very helpful. There are many senior citizens who don’t have access to any insurance. Many can benefit from this scheme. I appeal to the Centre and state governments to bring the scheme in Karnataka at the earliest,” she said.
The BJP has criticised the state government for not implementing the scheme and asked the Congress to efficiently engage with the Union government to resolve issues.
Union minister V Somanna spoke to CNN-NEWS18 and assured that he will take up Ayushman Bharat issues with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
“Any sensible government should not stall a scheme that helps thousands of people. Better sense should prevail. Any state government should implement the scheme for the benefit of the people,” said Somanna.
