The Government of India has been operating a variety of health care schemes and programs aimed at all demographic groups through its various ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathic remedies), Department of Pharmaceutical drugs, Ministry of Fertilizers and Chemicals, and others. In accordance with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – “Good Healthcare and Well-Being for Everyone,” these plans and programs, according to the administration, seek to make healthcare inexpensive and accessible to everyone. Also, these programs and plans are designed to lower people’s out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Initiatives to Combat the COVID-19 Epidemic
At government clinics and hospitals, the Indian government has begun offering free COVID-19 screening and care. Everyone in the country is eligible for free immunization under the nationwide campaign to prevent COVID-19, regardless of their financial situation. Via the Co-WIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Work) website, one can register and schedule an appointment to receive the free vaccination.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a program that anyone can participate in, regardless of their financial situation, to lower the average cost of healthcare for individuals. This program, which the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers’ Division of Pharmaceuticals started in November 2008, presently offers 240 surgical devices and 1,451 medications at discounted prices at PMBJP shops. Also, it offers lower prices on items like protein shakes, protein supplements, and other dietary supplements. A smartphone application named “Janaushadhi Sugam” can also be used to access this service offered by the government.
eSanjeevani OPD under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
The Department of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) created the eSanjeevani OPD free teleconsultation network to allow people to receive medical advice from the comfort of their homes in light of the COVID-19 epidemic. By enrolling on the eSanjeevani OPD website, anyone with a computer, workstation with a camera, microphone, and speaker, a smartphone or tablet with video chatting capability, and a mobile phone to get one-time passwords may use the service. The client will be included in the list of patients in the online consultation room after signing in and filling out the patient data. After the user can access the “call now” option, they can use it to reach a physician on video chat and get an e-prescription.
Program for National Mental Health
To treat mental diseases in the nation, the Indian government introduced the National Mentally Health Plan (NMHP) in 1982. By ensuring everyone has access to the affordability of mental health care, the main goal is to reduce suffering, disability, and premature deaths associated with mental disorders and improve recovery. The National Mental Health Programme’s three basic pillars are managing mentally ill people, rehab, and preventing and developing good mental health.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) will serve as the nodal center. IIT Bangalore will provide technical support for the “National Tele-mental Health Programme,” which the Central Administration declared in the Budget 2022–23. According to Dr. Shetty, it is a positive step toward improving the availability of psychological counseling.
