Coronavirus: Testing and treatment for Covid-19 free under PMJAY scheme
New Delhi : In a major relief for around 50 per cent of the Indian population, the testing and treatment for COVID-19 virus has been made free under the PMJAY scheme.
"The testing and treatment of COVID -19 is already available for free in the public facilities. Now, more than 50 crore citizens, eligible under the government's health assurance scheme will be able to avail free testing through private labs and treatment for COVID -19 in empanelled hospitals as well", the government said in a statement.
"The empanelled hospitals can use their own authorized testing facilities or tie up with an authorized testing facility," the statement added.
The tests will be conducted according to the guidelines issued by ICMR by the labs and hospitals registered or approved by the health body. Treatment of COVID-19 by private hospitals will also be covered under the scheme.
Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM JAY) is the flagship scheme of the Centre that provides cashless and paperless access to medical services.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan as quoted by news agency IANS, said, "In this unprecedented crisis, we have to very actively involve the private sector as a key partner and stakeholder in the fight against COVID-19. Making testing and treatment available under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY will significantly expand our capacities by including private sector hospitals and labs and mitigate the adverse impact of this catastrophic illness on the poor."
“The decision has been taken to increase the supply of testing and treatment facilities as well as increase access to them by roping in the private sector through the scheme. This decision will also help attract more private sector players for providing testing and treatment for COVID-19 which is likely to be critical in case there is a surge in the number of patient that need care. There are 601 positive cases in the last 24 hours”, said the Health Ministry on Saturday.
