The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is a scheme that provides health insurance coverage to millions of poor and needy families in India. How this scheme works, what are its benefits, and how to apply are explained in detail in this article.
Introduction
The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is a major initiative of the Government of India that aims to provide health services to all citizens. This scheme is specially designed for poor and vulnerable families, so they can get financial security to treat serious diseases. The main goal of NHPS is that no person should fall into an economic crisis due to medical expenses.
Government Initiative to Protect Your Health
The Government of India has launched a scheme to provide easy access to health services to the country’s poor and needy families. The scheme’s name is the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), which is also often known as ‘Ayushman Bharat’ or ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’.
What is the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)?
National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is a scheme that provides health insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to poor and needy families. This cover can be used in government and private hospitals across the country. This scheme covers all the members of the family, irrespective of their age.
Objectives of National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)
NHPS has several key objectives:
- Health coverage: NHPS aims to provide essential healthcare services to all citizens, regardless of their economic status.
- Financial security: The scheme covers a large portion of medical expenses, thereby reducing the financial burden on families.
- Quality healthcare services: NHPS encourages healthcare facilities that meet high-quality standards.
- Reduction in out-of-pocket medical expenses: The scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses of families.
- Empowerment of women and children: NHPS focuses specifically on the health needs of women and children.
Features of National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)
NHPS comes with some key features:
- Comprehensive coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of medical conditions, including pre-defined illnesses.
- Cashless transactions: NHPS facilitates cashless transactions, so beneficiaries do not have to incur immediate financial expenses.
- Accessibility: The scheme is applicable all over India, allowing beneficiaries to avail of it anywhere.
- Paperless process: The enrolment and claim process is digital, reducing the need for paperwork.
- Empanelment of hospitals: NHPS impanels both public and private hospitals, thereby expanding the healthcare network for beneficiaries.
NHPS Program Components
National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is made up of various program components:
- Beneficiary Identification: Beneficiaries are identified through the SECC database.
- Beneficiary Enrolment: Once identified, beneficiaries are enrolled and given an e-card.
- Impanelling of Hospitals: Hospitals are impanelled based on quality and infrastructure parameters.
- Service Delivery: Beneficiaries can access medical services through cashless transactions.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The effectiveness of the scheme is monitored to ensure that its goals are being met.
Benefits of NHPS
- Free Treatment: Under this scheme, the beneficiary does not have to pay any money for the treatment. All expenses are borne by the government.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers hospitalization, surgery, medicines, diagnostic tests, etc.
- Nationwide Validity: The scheme can be availed in any state or union territory of the country.
- Simple Process: The application process is easy and beneficiaries do not face any hassle.
Eligibility for NHPS
- Eligibility for this scheme is determined based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 conducted by the government. If your family is listed as below the poverty line in SECC 2011, you may be eligible for this scheme.
How to apply for NHPS?
You can apply for NHPS in the following ways:
- Online: You can apply online by visiting the Ayushman Bharat website.
- Offline: You can apply offline by visiting your nearest government hospital or Common Service Centre (CSC).
Coverage of NHPS
The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) provides coverage of the following types of services:
Hospitalization expenses: This includes room charges, surgical procedures, and medical tests.
Transportation Costs: Transportation costs are also covered to help beneficiaries reach the hospital.
Post-Hospitalization Expenses: This includes follow-up consultations and medicines.
How does NHPS work?
The implementation of NHPS takes place in the following steps:
Registration Process: Beneficiaries are identified through the SECC database and enrolled.
Treatment at Panel Hospitals: Beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment by visiting panel hospitals.
Claim Process: If there is a problem in receiving any medical service, beneficiaries can lodge a complaint.
Are the benefits of NHPS limited only to residents of Nagaland?
The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is not limited to residents of Nagaland only. The scheme is applicable all over India and aims to provide health insurance to poor and vulnerable families. Under NHPS, all eligible families, irrespective of the state they are in, can avail of health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh.
National Scope of NHPS
National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), which has been brought under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, aims to provide healthcare services to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families in the country. The scheme is applicable in all states, and beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment by visiting any panel hospital.
Implementation of NHPS in Nagaland
Although NHPS is implemented at the national level, Nagaland also has a special version of it, which is run by the Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS). It is set up by the state government and its main objective is to provide health insurance services to local residents. NHPS works in conjunction with other schemes in Nagaland such as the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NHPS
How much money is required for NHPS?
No money is required for this scheme. It is completely free.
How many families are covered under NHPS?
Around 10 crore families are covered under this scheme.
What diseases are covered under NHPS?
Almost all major diseases are covered under this scheme, such as heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, etc.
What documents are required to avail of NHPS benefits?
You will need an Aadhaar card and identity card of all family members.
Conclusion
The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is an important step that provides access to healthcare services to millions of people in India. This scheme provides relief to the poor and needy families and gives them freedom from financial burden.
Other useful resources:
Ayushman Bharat website: https://abdm.gov.in/
Ayushman Bharat helpline number: 14555
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