SEHAT scheme slashes medical expenses of patients in J&K by Rs 2285 Cr

Srinagar, July 29: Jammu and Kashmir administration’s free health insurance scheme, SEHAT (Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine), has saved residents of J&K a staggering Rs 2285 crore in medical expenses.

This universal health coverage initiative, providing each family with Rs 5 lakh annual insurance entirely free of cost, has emerged as a game-changer in J&K's healthcare landscape. Since its launch in August 2020, SEHAT has demonstrated remarkable reach and impact.

Over 85.49 lakh individuals have been issued Golden Cards, granting them access to the scheme's benefits.

This widespread adoption represents a significant portion of J&K’s population, indicating high acceptance and utilisation of the programme.

The scheme’s infrastructure is robust, with approximately 251 hospitals empanelled under the AB-PMJAY-SEHAT scheme.

This extensive network ensures beneficiaries have access to a wide range of quality healthcare services across the region.

The impact has been substantial, with about 12.90 lakh treatments facilitated, directly benefiting 3.60 lakh individuals since the scheme’s inception.

“About 12.90 lakh treatments have been provided so far worth Rs 2285 crore which has provided services to 3.60 lakh beneficiaries since August 2020. The scheme has been a game changer for the people at large as it provided financial support to treatment seekers for availing timely intervention required for leading a healthy life. Telemedicine services have also been introduced,” an official note of the government reads. “The scheme has been a game changer for the people at large as it provided the financial support to treatment seekers for availing timely intervention required for leading a healthy life.”

The scheme’s impact on critical illnesses has been particularly noteworthy.

A senior health department official said, “A total of around 3.6 lakh patients have availed treatment for various conditions under the scheme which, inter-alia, include cancer patients, patients with cardiac ailments, and patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases. In the absence of such a scheme, most of the patients suffering from these life-consuming and life-threatening diseases could not have afforded such treatments which required prolonged medical management.”

By removing financial barriers to healthcare, SEHAT has enabled timely medical interventions, crucial for maintaining good health and preventing the escalation of medical conditions.

This approach has had far-reaching consequences beyond just medical treatment.

While the SEHAT scheme has undoubtedly been a game-changer for healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, there is room for improvement.

According to doctors, one critical area that needs fine-tuning is the coverage for cancer patients.

Currently, the scheme only benefits patients who are admitted to hospitals, which does not align with the nature of cancer treatment.

“Many cancer patients require ongoing outpatient care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can be incredibly expensive. By expanding the scheme to cover these outpatient treatments, we can significantly reduce the financial burden on cancer patients and their families. This adjustment will make SEHAT even more comprehensive and impactful in addressing one of the most challenging health issues we face today,” they said.