Ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election, India will host a two-week "Ayushman Bhava" health programme during which the government will implement several beneficiary schemes across India. The programme will run from September 17 to October 2, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.
Speaking to PTI and ANI, the health minister announced the Ayushman Bhava programme on Monday, September 11. The programme's commencement on September 17 coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The event's conclusion on October 2 coincides with Gandhi Jayanti and has been termed "Seva Pakhwada."
"In these 15 days, we will implement government's beneficiary schemes across India," Mandaviya told reporters.
On October 2, the government will declare "Ayushman gram" or "Ayushman villages" where tuberculosis and leprosy have been completely eradicated and 100 percent COVID-19 verification cards have been reported.
An Ayushman Mela will be organised at over a lakh health and wellness centres where all poor and middle-class people will be diagnosed and treated.
All block-level hospitals and medical colleges will organise health camps on their premises, Mandaviya revealed.
A cleanliness drive or "Swacchta Abhiyaan" will be run at healthcare institutions across the country including hospitals and dispensaries.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced this programme in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, campaigning for which is in full swing as PM Modi bats for a third term.
On September 4, President Droupadi Murmu announced the upcoming
inauguration of the Ayushman Bhava campaign on September 13. The campaign aims to ensure the optimum delivery of health schemes to intended beneficiaries, especially in remote areas.
There are three major components of the Ayushman Bhava campaign: the distribution of Ayushman cards or "Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0," a health campaign called "Ayushman Mela," and awareness meetings like "Ayushman Sabha."
The Seva Pakhwara is a 16-day campaign that will feature several undertakings such as a blood donation camp and organ donation registry.
