Under NHM, Govt Ensuring Free Generic Medicines, Diagnostic Tests To Economically Disadvantaged Groups: H&ME Minister

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that under the National health Mission it is ensuring free generic medicines and diagnostic tests to economically disadvantaged groups.

Replying to a question of MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Health and Medical Education Department Minister said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has implemented initiatives to provide free generic medicines and diagnostic tests to economically disadvantaged groups, including the poor, handicapped, widows, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients.

“The Government, through the National Health Mission (NHM) J&K, has implemented several initiatives to ensure free access to essential medicines and diagnostic services for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiative, various healthcare facilities have been strengthened to provide high-quality medical services at no cost, particularly benefiting the underprivileged sections of society,” she said, as per news agency KNO.

“All Ayushman Arogya Mandirs established at the Sub-Centre (SC) level are equipped to provide 96 essential drugs and 14 diagnostic tests free of cost. This initiative significantly enhances access to basic healthcare services at the grass root level, ensuring that people in rural and remote areas receive timely medical attention without financial burden,” Sakina Itoo added.

“To further strengthen the healthcare system. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at the PHC level have been equipped with an expanded list of 175 essential drugs and 39 diagnostic tests, all available free of cost. This Initiative ensures that primary healthcare facilities are well-stocked to cater to a larger spectrum of health concerns, improving overall healthcare accessibility and quality,” she added.

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“At the Community Health Centre (CHC) level, dedicated Non- Communicable Disease (NCD) Clinics have been established to provide free drugs and diagnostic services for patients suffering from chronic Illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable conditions. These specialized clinics aim to offer continuous treatment, early detection, and effective management of such diseases, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with NCDs. Further the department has already provided mechanism of free treatment to all the patients of J&K under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (SEHAT Scheme) with a capping of 5.00 lakhs on floater basis. The patient once admitted in government run hospitals, the details are sent for approval of State Health Agency who approve treatment of the patient and approve the package amount depending on the medical condition,” she added.

“Different packages have already been designated for different health conditions by State Health Agency, however, approval is sought every time when a patient reports to the hospital. In addition to the above scheme there are number of other schemes which provide financial assistance to poor patient of BPL category like Chief Minister's Fund, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), Health Ministers Cancer patient fund(HMCPF), Indian Cancer Society (ICS), MLA Fund etc. whereunder medical assistance is provided to deserving patients,” Sakina Itoo added.

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