29 states and UTs have signed the MoU and have started working on the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna.

The pilots have started in 16 States / UTs. Other states/UTs will also start pilots before fully launching the scheme on 25th September.

J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare was addressing the media in a press conference on Ayushman Bharat - PradhanMantri Jan ArogyaYojna (AB-PMJAY), in New Delhi on August 27.

He said that the scheme architecture and formulation has undergone a truly federal process, with stakeholder inputs taken from all States and UTs through the national conclaves, sectoral working groups, intensive field exercises and piloting of key modules.

Nadda cautioned that strict action will be taken against those running the fake websites on Ayushman Bharat. He categorically clarified that no enrolment is required for beneficiaries and there is no payment for obtaining services at empaneled hospitals. “Criminal cases will be charged against fraudulent websites and agents trying to collect money from beneficiaries,” he added.

Nadda stated that Arogya Mitras training is being conducted in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Ministry of Skill Development to strengthen implementation and operational preparedness. “Training has already been initiated in 15 states/UTs,”Nadda said.

Reiterating the commitment of his government, the Union Health Minister said the objectives of the AB-PMJAY is to reduce out of pocket hospitalisation expenses, fulfil unmet needs and improve access of identified families to quality inpatient care and day care surgeries.

“The services will include more than 1300 procedures covering pre and post hospitalization, diagnostics, medicines etc., and the beneficiaries will be able to move across borders and access services across the country through the provider network seamlessly,” Nadda stated.

Addressing the conference, Nadda said that the Government has given total flexibility to the States to choose their own modes of implementation among Insurance, Trust or Mixed Mode and Government is ready to provide the required support also.

He further said that NHA Information Security and Data Privacy are being institutionalized to provide adequate guidance and set of controls on the secure handling of Beneficiaries Personal Data and Sensitive Personal Data in compliance with all laws and regulations applicable.

J P Nadda also unveiled the PMJAY logo to the media while Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare launched the Anti-fraud Guidelines. Ashwini Kumar Choubey launched the Data Privacy and Information Security Policy.

Later, J P Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship presided over aMoU signing ceremony between National Health Agency (NHA) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for skilling 1 lakh ArogyaMitras.