SC Inclusion of Ayurveda and Yoga in Ayushman Bharat

On 8th Nov 2024, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre regarding a plea advocating for the inclusion of Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy in the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Key Highlights:

Expansion of Ayushman Bharat: The plea proposes integrating traditional Indian medical practices like Ayurveda and yoga into the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the flagship component of Ayushman Bharat, to broaden healthcare access for millions.
Healthcare and Employment Benefits: Inclusion could enhance affordable healthcare access for various chronic diseases and increase employment opportunities for professionals in Ayurveda and related fields.
Current Scope of PM-JAY: Currently, Ayushman Bharat predominantly supports allopathic hospitals and clinics, providing cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for those below the poverty line.
Cultural Heritage Argument: The petition contends that policies influenced by colonial mindsets have historically eroded India’s indigenous knowledge and healthcare systems.
It asserts that integrating traditional medical practices within Ayushman Bharat aligns with restoring India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Government’s Position Awaited: The Centre has been asked to respond, with Upadhyay advocating for broader inclusion across Indian healthcare systems under Ayushman Bharat’s reach.