Ayushman Bharat Scheme: An Evaluation of its Impact on Universal Health Coverage in rural Madhya Pradesh

Ayushman Bharat scheme is the largest health insurance scheme in the world, launched by the Government of India in 2018 to provide financial protection to poor and vulnerable households against catastrophic health expenditures by providing coverage for secondary and tertiary hospitalization expenses. This paper studies the impact of Ayushman Bharat Scheme on universal health coverage and out-of-pocket costs in rural Madhya Pradesh. For the study four villages, Dhamenta, Baghora, Bilkisganj, and Amla, from two districts, Narsinshpur and Sehore were chosen. The research uses a mixed-methods approach. Primary data was gathered through a purposive sampling technique-assisted survey and interviews with beneficiaries and community workers, and secondary data from government reports, surveys, and academic literature was used.

The findings suggest the scheme has made significant progress in enhancing healthcare service accessibility, decreasing out-of-pocket costs, and improving health outcomes for the poor and marginalized sections of society. However, challenges remain regarding quality, equity, and sustainability, including challenges related to the identification of beneficiaries, lack of awareness, delays in the enrolment process, ethical issues, etc. This requires further policy attention and action. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for strengthening the Scheme and advancing towards UHC in India.