Major Relief in Healthcare Sector! MP Government to Expand ‘Ayushman Bharat Scheme’ for Free Heart, Liver, and Lung Transplants
In a major and reassuring piece of news in the healthcare sector, the Madhya Pradesh government is all set to expand the ‘Ayushman Bharat Scheme’, which has been a boon for general and helpless patients. The government is currently making extensive preparations to include complex organ transplants such as heart, liver, and lungs under this scheme.
Health Coverage May Increase Up to ₹10 Lakhs: Under the ‘Ayushman Bharat Niramayam’ scheme, the Madhya Pradesh government is planning to include these major organ transplants for the first time. Keeping in mind the high cost of these complex surgeries, there is a proposal to double the current annual health coverage limit from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs. As a result, poor patients who are unable to afford expensive treatments due to a lack of funds will benefit significantly.
Formation of Expert Committee and Package System: To determine all aspects and proper arrangements for this proposal, a special committee comprising expert doctors from AIIMS and other leading institutions has been constituted.
- This committee is evaluating the complete costs, including pre- and post-operative tests, ICU charges, medicines, and post-transplant healthcare expenses.
- After studying all stages, a final proposal regarding the treatment package and coverage limit will be prepared.
Why Was This Step Necessary?
- Backward State in Organ Donation: According to recent data, while the number of organ transplants is increasing in the country, Madhya Pradesh’s contribution remains at just 2 percent. The government has taken this step to boost organ donation awareness and facilities.
- Extremely Expensive Treatment: Transplants for kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs in private hospitals cost anywhere from ₹15 lakhs to ₹70 lakhs, making it nearly impossible for the common person to afford.
Special Training for Doctors to Boost Organ Donation: To strengthen organ donation and proper procedures in the state, AIIMS Bhopal will provide special training to doctors and healthcare workers in government medical colleges. The ‘Green Corridor’ system will be made more operational for identifying brain death, counseling and convincing families, and safely transporting organs to hospitals on time.
Once implemented, this scheme is expected to open new doors for saving the lives of poor patients in Madhya Pradesh.
