Ayushman Bharat-Health & Wellness Centre Scheme marked 4th year anniversary

Context

The Union Health minister organised a week-long celebration under the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, marking the fourth anniversary of Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) from April 16 to April 22.

Key-Points

• On April 16, 2022, a record of more than 3 lakh teleconsultations were done under the eSanjeevani platform of AB-HWCs. 
• This is the highest number of telecommunications done on a single day, surpassing its earlier record of 1.8 Lakh teleconsultations per day.
• On the second day, i.e. On April 17, 2022, Yoga sessions were organised in all the AB-HWCs to highlight the integration of health and wellness in service provision at AB-HWCs.
• The third day begins with organising ‘Block Health Melas’ from 18 April to 22 April, in at least one block in each district of the State/Union Territories (UTs). 
• Each Block Health Mela would be for one day and each block in the State/UTs is to be covered.
• The Block Health Melas provide screening for early diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB), Hypertension, diabetes, basic health care services with drugs and diagnostics along with teleconsultation with relevant health specialists.
• The Government of India is committed to establishing 1,50,000 AB-HWCs by December 2022. 
• Of which 1,17,400 HWCs have been already established, also more than 1 Lakh Centres have registered for the e-Sanjeevani HWCs portal.

About Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres

• The Union Government has announced the establishment of 1,50,000 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) in February 2018.
• Existing Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres in rural and urban areas are being upgraded to deliver comprehensive primary health care, to all citizens, free of cost, closer to homes.

About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission 

• It will ensure access to quality healthcare by promoting the use of technologies such as telemedicine and supporting the national portability of health services.
• Citizens can create their ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) numbers, to link their digital health records.
• The National Health Authority will be the implementing agency of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• It aims to create a National Digital Health ecosystem that supports universal health coverage in an efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, timely and safe manner.