Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi 

Introduction:

Health is essential for better development outcomes. Better health boosts productivity and lowers economic losses caused by premature mortality, long-term incapacity, and early retirement. Health and nutrition have a direct impact on academic performance, as well as productivity and revenue.  Health outcomes are heavily influenced by government health-care spending.  One year of increased population life expectancy improves GDP per capita by 4%. Investment in health generates millions of employment, primarily for women, through a much-needed expansion of the health workforce.

In his 2018 budget speech, the Finance Minister announced the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the replacement of the existing 3% Education Cess with a 4% Health and Education Cess.

The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) has been approved as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for a portion of the income of the Health and Education Cess imposed under Section 136-b of the Finance Act of 2007.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) is a monument to India's determination to transform healthcare for its inhabitants. PMSSN was founded with the goal of providing accessible and high-quality medical services, and it has since played a significant role in changing the nation's healthcare scene.

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Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN):

  • It is a non-lapsable reserve fund for health in the public sector.
  • The proceeds from the Health and Education Cess will be credited to PMSSN.
  • Accruals in the PMSSN will support the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare's main schemes, including Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
  • Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC).
  • National Health Mission.
  • Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
  • Emergency preparedness and disaster response during health emergencies.
  • Any future programme/scheme that aims to make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets outlined in the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017.
  • The PMSSN is administered and maintained by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • In any fiscal year, the MoHFW's expenditure on such projects would be funded initially from the PMSSN and then from Gross Budgetary Support (GBS).

Benefits of PMSSN:

    Improved access to universal and affordable health care through the availability of targeted resources, while ensuring that the funds do not expire at the end of the fiscal year.
      The significance of spending on healthcare:
        Improved development outcomes: Better health boosts productivity and lowers economic losses caused by premature mortality, long-term incapacity, and early retirement.

        Increase Opportunities: An additional year of population life expectancy improves GDP per capita by 4%, while investment in health produces millions of jobs, primarily for women, through a much-needed expansion of the health workforce.

        In the 2018 Budget speech, the Finance Minister announced a 4% Health and Education Cess to replace the existing 3% Education Cess for the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

        It is gathered with the intention of meeting the educational and healthcare requirements of rural families in India.

        Ayushman Bharat Yojana's Significance

        A 2021 analysis provides insight on the scheme's impact. The survey included 300 homes in Tamil Nadu's Mappedu region. It determined that 42.33% of households were eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. During the previous year, 47% of these households used the plan to access health care. Only 10% of these families had to pay additional healthcare costs. Unfortunately, 40% of families that were not covered by the scheme experienced financial difficulties as a result of healthcare costs[1]. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has greatly decreased the financial burden of high medical bills on India's most disadvantaged. As of January 2023, the government had certified 21.9 crore beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

        Conclusion

        Finally, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi serves as a light of hope for a healthier India. By tackling obstacles, utilising triumphs, and incorporating expert views, PMSSN opens the road for a better and healthier future.

        FAQs

        1.Is PMSSN limited to metropolitan areas, or does it extend to rural places as well?

        The PMSSN strives to serve both urban and rural communities, ensuring fair healthcare access throughout the country.

        2.How can individuals contribute to the success of PMSSN?

        Citizens can help by staying informed, raising awareness, and actively participating in health-related programmes launched by PMSSN.

        3.What efforts are being taken to solve PMSSN's implementation challenges?

        The government is aggressively addressing difficulties through ongoing evaluation, feedback systems, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.

        4.Are there any plans to expand PMSSN to cover other healthcare services in the future?

        Future expansions and enhancements are being considered, with the government routinely monitoring the changing healthcare needs of the population.

        5.How may healthcare professionals become part in PMSSN initiatives?

        Healthcare professionals may support PMSSN by collaborating, giving knowledge, and participating in outreach programmes to increase the initiative's overall impact.

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