Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme UPSC 2024

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme

The Government of India has introduced the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme to offer financial aid to economically disadvantaged patients for the treatment of severe illnesses that necessitate hospitalization and specialized care.

Objective

Financial Assistance: Offer financial aid to patients living below the poverty line (BPL) who are battling life-threatening illnesses and require expensive medical treatment.

Equity: Guarantee that individuals facing economic hardships have the opportunity to receive high-quality medical care without being hindered by financial obstacles.

Comprehensive Support: The program encompasses the expenses of treating severe illnesses that necessitate hospitalization, ensuring that individuals lacking the financial resources to cover such treatments can still access essential medical services.

Key Features

Funding: -Funding for the program is provided by the Government of India, with financial assistance being given directly to the hospital where the patient is receiving treatment.

Types of Diseases Covered:-The scheme, known as RAN, covers a variety of diseases including cancer, kidney failure, heart conditions requiring surgery, neurosurgery, and more. These illnesses are typically costly to treat and can place a significant financial strain on patients and their families.

Eligibility Criteria:-To be eligible for assistance under RAN, patients must be below the poverty line as defined by the Government of India and must be suffering from one of the specified life-threatening diseases covered by the program.

Application Process:-Patients can apply for assistance by filling out the required form, which is usually available at designated hospitals or through health authorities. The application includes information about the patient’s medical condition, financial situation, and treatment needs.

Approval Process:-Applications are reviewed by a government-appointed committee to ensure that the patient meets the eligibility criteria and that the disease qualifies for financial assistance under RAN.

Implementation

Centralized Oversight: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, centrally manages the scheme, overseeing fund allocation and monitoring implementation in states and Union Territories.

Hospital Involvement: Registered hospitals are essential in verifying patient eligibility, providing treatment, and receiving financial assistance directly from the government under the scheme.

Impact

The RAN program has provided vital medical treatments to numerous financially disadvantaged patients in India, who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Its goal is to bridge the gap in healthcare access and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, have equal opportunities to receive necessary medical care when dealing with serious illnesses.

Conclusion

The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) Scheme highlights the government’s dedication to offering financial assistance to those in need for the treatment of serious illnesses, ultimately working towards health equality and enhancing healthcare availability in India.