The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) is a major step with the approval of 22 new regional AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) across the country. This move aims to address regional disparities in healthcare and enhance medical education facilities.
- Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) was launched with the primary aim of rectifying regional imbalances in the provision of affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services across the country.
- The scheme seeks to enhance the facilities for quality medical education in India.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) was introduced to rectify regional disparities in healthcare services and to enhance medical education facilities across India. It aims to ensure that quality tertiary healthcare is accessible to all sections of society, thereby promoting a more equitable healthcare system in the country.
Launch
Launched in 2003, PMSSY primarily aims to correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services. Additionally, it focuses on augmenting facilities for quality medical education. These objectives underscore the importance of accessible healthcare and the need to train proficient medical professionals.
Nodal Ministry
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing PMSSY. This ministry plays a pivotal role in formulating policies and ensuring the successful execution of healthcare programs across the nation, thereby driving improvements in public health infrastructure.
Two Components
PMSSY comprises two main components: establishing AIIMS-like institutions and upgrading government medical colleges. These initiatives are jointly funded by the Centre and state governments, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and medical education facilities in various regions.
Other Initiatives Related to Healthcare Sector
The government has launched several initiatives to bolster the healthcare sector, focusing on comprehensive development and modernizing healthcare infrastructure. These efforts aim to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to all citizens, addressing diverse healthcare needs.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN)
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) is a non-lapsable reserve fund created from the proceeds of the Health and Education Cess. This fund ensures sustained financial support for health initiatives, enhancing the government’s ability to implement long-term healthcare projects.
PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Scheme
Announced in the Union Budget 2021-22, the PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Scheme aims to develop capacities in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems. It focuses on creating a modern ecosystem for research, testing, and treatment, ensuring healthcare advancements reach even the remotest areas.
National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)
The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aims to create a comprehensive digital health ecosystem. Key features include Health ID, personal health records, Digi Doctor, and a health facility registry. These elements collectively enhance the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services through digitization.
Ayushman Bharat
Ayushman Bharat adopts a two-pronged approach: establishing health and wellness centers to provide healthcare closer to homes and implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). PMJAY offers financial risk protection to poor and vulnerable families against catastrophic health expenditures.
National Health Policy (NHP) 2017
The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 aims to provide assured healthcare to all and addresses challenges emerging from socio-economic, technological, and epidemiological changes. It focuses on creating a robust healthcare system that can adapt to evolving healthcare needs and scenarios.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to provide generic drugs at affordable prices through dedicated stores. These drugs are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded medications, making essential medicines accessible to a broader population.
National Health Mission
Launched in 2013, the National Health Mission (NHM) subsumed the National Rural Health Mission and the National Urban Health Mission. Its main components include Health System Strengthening and addressing Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), along with combating communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) underscores the government’s commitment to providing equitable healthcare and fostering medical education across India. For UPSC aspirants, understanding such initiatives is crucial as they reflect the broader governance principles and policy mechanisms aimed at addressing regional disparities. These schemes not only improve healthcare but also empower communities, embodying the essence of social justice and inclusive development.
