Lok Sabha Question No. 3325 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-17
Subject: Diseases due to Poverty
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Ashok Mahadeorao Nete

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3325

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 th  DECEMBER, 2021

## DISEASES DUE TO POVERTY

## 3325.  SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE

## Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has conducted any study that suggests that poverty is the major reason for diseases;
- b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- c) the steps taken by the Government to prevent deaths due to poverty?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (c):  Health is a State subject and the primary responsibility to provide healthcare services to all the citizens of the country lies with the State Government. Government has taken several initiatives  for  supplementing  the  efforts  of  the  States  for  providing  quality  and  affordable healthcare services to the people. One of the underlying principles in the National Health Policy 2017  is  equity  which  envisions  greater  investments  and  financial  protection  to  the  poor  who suffer the largest burden of disease.

Through the 2 pillars of Ayushman Bharat that is Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) and Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (PM-JAY), the Primary, secondary and tertiary health care system is strengthened.

-  AB-HWC  With  the  objective  of  delivering  comprehensive  primary  health  care, closer  to  the  homes  of  people  1.5  lakh  Health  and  Wellness  Centres  (HWCs)  are targeted to be set up.  More than 80,143, HWCs are functional as on 21.11.2021.
-  PM-JAYIt is the largest health assurance scheme providing a health cover of Rs 5 lakhs  per  year  for  secondary  and  tertiary  care  to  approximately  50  cr  beneficiaries from poor and vulnerable families.

In  addition, Pradhan  Mantri  Swasthya  Suraksha  Yojana  (PMSSY)  aims  to  establish  All  India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in all the States in the Country in a phased manner and upgradation of the medical colleges. Setting up of 22 AIIMS has been sanctioned so far under the  Scheme.  Essential  medicines  and  diagnostics  are  provided  to  beneficiaries  under  Free Essential Diagnostics Service Initiative under National Health Mission. Under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, dialysis services are provided free to patients below the poverty line  (BPL)  and  at  nominal  costs  to  others  through  Public-Private  Partnerships.  Further,  under Pradhan  Mantri  Janaushadi  Pariyojana  (PMBJP)  quality  medicines  at  affordable  price  are provided  to  the  masses  through  dedicated  outlets  called  Pradhan  Mantri  Bhartiya  Janaushadi Kendra (PMBJK) across the country.

Under  Janani  Shishu  Suraksha  Karyakram  (JSSK),  all  services  including,  drugs,  diagnostics, transport,  diet,  blood  transfusion  (if  necessary)  are  provided  free  to  all  pregnant  women  and children  upto  the  age  of  one  year.  The  Janani  Suraksha  Yojana  (JSY)  provided  financial incentives  to  mothers  who  underwent  institutional  deliveries.  Free  Treatment  for  TB  under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme is available for TB at all Government hospitals, Community  Health  Centers  (CHC),  Primary  Health  Centers  (PHCs).  The  Rashtriya  Bal Swasthya Karyakram is a new initiative aimed at screening over 27 Crore children from 0 to 18 years  for  4  Ds  -Defects  at  birth,  Diseases,  Deficiencies  and  Development  Delays  including Disabilities. Children diagnosed with illnesses receive follow up including surgeries at tertiary level,  free-of-cost.  The  Pradhan  Mantri  Surakshit  Matritva  Abhiyan  program  aims  to  provide assured,  comprehensive  and  quality  antenatal  care,  free  of  cost,  universally  to  all  pregnant women on the 9th of every month.

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