From ₹25,000 to free treatment: Gildar Singh Dawar's journey with Ayushman Bharat

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Gildar Singh Dawar, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, faced a life-threatening challenge when he was diagnosed with blood cancer (leukemia) in 2017. For years, he underwent expensive treatment that cost him Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month. However, in 2022, Dawar found a lifeline in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), a flagship health scheme of the Modi government. This move drastically reduced his financial burden, as he now receives the same treatment free of cost. Dawar, who had been receiving treatment at an Indore hospital since 2017, switched to an Ahmedabad hospital in December 2022. Speaking to IANS, he shared how the scheme has transformed his life: "After enrolling in Ayushman Bharat, my hospitalization and medical expenses are fully covered. I don’t have to pay anything for my treatment or medications anymore, and I’ve seen significant improvement in my health."

He expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "This scheme is very beneficial for families who cannot afford medical expenses. We are thankful to Prime Minister Modi, as his government has done a lot for the poor and marginalized." Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health assurance scheme, provides secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. In September 2023, the scheme was expanded to include health insurance for senior citizens aged 70 and above, offering free coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family, regardless of income. This expansion will benefit around 6 crore senior citizens and 4.5 crore families, ensuring broader access to healthcare. Dawar’s story is a testament to how Ayushman Bharat is making healthcare accessible for those in need, providing relief and support to millions like him.