Empowering Healthcare Infrastructure: The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme
In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure in India, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), launched the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme in 2020. This unique initiative is designed to assist cooperative societies in playing a vital role in creating and modernizing healthcare facilities across the country. Let’s delve into the key features, objectives, and impact of this transformative scheme.
What is the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme?
The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme is an innovative funding program introduced by the NCDC to support cooperative societies in developing healthcare infrastructure. By providing financial assistance, the scheme aims to enhance the capacity of cooperatives to establish and upgrade hospitals, healthcare institutions, and educational infrastructure related to healthcare.
Key Features of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme
Ayushman Sahakar Fund
The cornerstone of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme is the Ayushman Sahakar Fund, made available by the NCDC. Cooperative societies with appropriate provisions to undertake healthcare-related activities can access this fund to finance their projects.
Focus Areas
The primary focus of the scheme includes:
- Establishment and renovation of hospitals
- Modernization, expansion, and repairs of healthcare institutions
- Development of healthcare and education infrastructure
Financial Support
To meet various requirements, the scheme provides working capital and margin money to cooperatives. This financial support ensures that cooperative societies have the necessary resources to implement and sustain their healthcare projects.
Interest Subvention for Women Majority Cooperatives
Under the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme, cooperatives with a majority of women members are eligible for an interest subvention of 1%. This provision aims to empower women-led cooperatives and encourage their active participation in the healthcare sector.
Objectives of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme
Affordable and Holistic Healthcare
The scheme aims to assist cooperative societies in providing affordable and holistic healthcare through hospitals, healthcare, and educational facilities. By leveraging the cooperative model, the scheme ensures that healthcare services are accessible to all sections of society.
Promotion of AYUSH Facilities
One of the key objectives of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme is to promote AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) facilities. By supporting cooperatives in establishing AYUSH centers, the scheme fosters the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.
Alignment with National Health Policy
The scheme is designed to assist cooperative societies in meeting the objectives of the National Health Policy. By aligning their healthcare projects with national priorities, cooperatives can contribute to the overall improvement of the country’s health indicators.
Participation in the National Digital Health Mission
The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme encourages cooperatives to participate in the National Digital Health Mission. This involvement ensures that cooperatives are integrated into the digital healthcare ecosystem, enhancing the efficiency and reach of healthcare services.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Beyond healthcare provision, the scheme supports cooperatives in offering comprehensive healthcare services, including education, insurance, and related activities. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of healthcare are addressed, benefiting the community at large.
Impact of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme
The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme has the potential to revolutionize healthcare infrastructure in India by leveraging the cooperative model. By providing financial assistance and support to cooperatives, the scheme ensures that healthcare facilities are developed and modernized across urban and rural areas. This initiative not only improves access to healthcare but also promotes community participation and ownership in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme represents a significant step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure in India. By empowering cooperative societies to establish and upgrade healthcare facilities, the scheme ensures that affordable and holistic healthcare is accessible to all. With its focus on modernization, financial support, and promotion of AYUSH facilities, the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s healthcare landscape.
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