-The Hindu Business Line Govt’s Wellness Centres have identified over 37,000 patients, but can they be treated under Ayushman Bharat with their data not shared with NHA? The Union Health Ministry has identified thousands of new cancer patients, but is unable to treat them. Reason: Its own departments are not coordinating among themselves, and the patients are left high and dry. On February 21, the Ministry released startling statistics that it had identified...

-The Indian Express In the first three months of PMJAY — until November 24, 2018 — 6,900 claims had been submitted for cataract surgeries even though they are done for free under the National Blindness Control Programme (NBCP). IN THE first trimming of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana since its launch, the National Health Authority (NHA) is planning to remove procedures covered under existing national programmes from the list...

-The Telegraph Hospitalisation cover does not protect families from catastrophic expenses A three-state study has found that India’s government-funded or private health insurance schemes that pay for hospitalisation have not adequately protected households from catastrophic health expenditures and rekindled the debate on how to achieve universal health care. The study that examined sample households in Gujarat, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh found 28 per cent of insured households and 26 per cent of uninsured...

-National Herald Well-known Belgian-Indian economist Jean Drèze, reflects on the times we live in this animated conversation with Ujjawal Krishnam Jean Drèze, the Belgian-Indian economist, true to his reputation, laces humour and an acerbic wit to reflect on the times we live in. Self deprecating, he brushes aside the question how he juggles between his roles as economist, activist and teacher. He wonders at the multi-tasking ability of Indian women instead. Nor...

-The Indian Express West Bengal has withdrawn from flagship programme PMJAY, joining 3 other states that have stayed out. What are the reasons behind the states’ reluctance; what could this mean for the programme’s future? New Delhi: On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that her state is withdrawing from Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Delhi, Telangana and Odisha have stayed out of the programme, while reports...