82 pc Persons with disability lack insurance, 42 pc unaware of AB-PMJAY: Survey

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The findings were presented at the National Disability Network (NDN) Meeting last week, where civil society groups and disability rights organisations from over 20 states convened to discuss pressing issues faced by the community.
The survey, conducted under the 'Ayushman for All' campaign by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), gathered responses from more than 5,000 persons with disabilities across 34 states and union territories.
Despite the scheme's aim of providing health coverage to vulnerable populations, only 28 per cent of disabled respondents reported having applied for it.

«These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent real people left without essential healthcare,» said Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP.
«Health insurance isn't a privilege for persons with disabilities, it's a necessity for survival. The Delhi High Court's ruling on insurance was a milestone, yet private insurers continue to deny coverage. There is a vacuum in awareness and accessibility,» he said.

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Ali also questioned the government's exclusionary criteria, highlighting that while Ayushman Bharat offers unconditional coverage for senior citizens above 70 years, no such provision exists for persons with disabilities.
«Disability and poverty are part of a vicious cycle. We are not merely asking for schemes, we are demanding representation and policy changes,» he said.
Experts at the meeting underscored the