Universal Health Coverage Day 2023: Universal Health Coverage Day, marked on 12th December annually, signifies a global effort to ensure health security for all individuals worldwide. It commemorates the ongoing progress and emphasizes the necessity of robust and inclusive health systems in achieving universal health coverage. The initiative is jointly observed by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, urging nations to accelerate efforts for global health equity.

The journey towards universal healthcare is a pivotal aspect of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with the broader vision outlined in the 2030 Agenda. However, numerous nations face challenges in delivering modern healthcare due to economic and social constraints, limiting access to vital medical services for many.

In the context of India, a significant hurdle lies in the inadequate number of healthcare professionals, posing a challenge to building a resilient healthcare system accessible to all. In response to the global objectives set by the World Health Organization, the Government of India has undertaken multiple initiatives to strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure. These efforts include the implementation of various schemes such as the National Rural Health Mission, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Indradhanush, National Health Insurance Scheme, ESIS, CGHS, National Health Mission, and notably, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) stands out as the world's largest health assurance scheme and is an integral component of India's National Health Policy 2017. This initiative emerged from the comprehensive 2017 Global Burden of Disease study, highlighting prevalent diseases and their associated risks across all Indian states. Subsequently, the national health policy was strategically formulated to address these significant health challenges.

The genesis of Ayushman Bharat Yojana dates back to the Union Budget of India in 2018, where the government announced its vision for universal healthcare. The scheme gained approval from the Union Cabinet in March of that year, with hospitals being invited to apply through the M-Panel process in June. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially launched the program in September 2018 and later established the National Health Authority to oversee its implementation.

AB-PMJAY operates on the principle of providing healthcare coverage to economically vulnerable individuals and families across India. Through its expansive reach, the scheme aims to offer financial protection against high healthcare costs, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to quality medical services without financial hardship.

As we observe Universal Health Coverage Day in 2023, it's imperative to recognize the significance of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat in India's pursuit of equitable healthcare. Such schemes play a pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more inclusive society, fostering progress towards the global goal of universal health coverage for all.

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