Evaluating the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Scheme in Kashmir Valley: Awareness, Accessibility, and Outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2025.v05.n01.040Keywords:
Health Sector, Ayushman Bharat, Kashmir valley, AB-PMJAY, UHCAbstract
The health sector in India has witnessed significant transformations with the introduction of schemes aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Among these, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in 2018, stands out for its dual focus on financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures and the strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure. Despite its nationwide impact, there remains limited research on the awareness, enrolment, and utilization levels of the scheme in the Kashmir Valley, a region marked by unique socio-political and geographical challenges. This study aims to evaluate the status of awareness, enrolment, and utilization of AB-PMJAY in the Kashmir Valley. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather insights from beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Data analysis focuses on identifying gaps in awareness, patterns of enrolment, and barriers to accessing healthcare services under the scheme. Sources of information and assistance provided to beneficiaries were also explored to assess their role in promoting the scheme’s adoption. The findings reveal significant gaps in awareness and utilization of the scheme among the target population. Many beneficiaries lacked knowledge about enrolment procedures and were unaware of empanelled hospitals, leading to underutilization of available benefits. The study concludes that while AB-PMJAY has laid a strong foundation for achieving UHC, its effectiveness in the Kashmir Valley requires targeted interventions. Awareness campaigns tailored to the region's unique context, coupled with investments in healthcare infrastructure and capacity-building, are essential for enhancing the scheme’s reach and impact. These insights are critical for policymakers aiming to optimize the implementation of AB-PMJAY and ensure equitable healthcare access for marginalized communities in the Kashmir Valley.
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