National Health Assurance Policy to be introduced in phases this year

The National Health Assurance Policy would be rolled out in phases in the current financial year and it would go full steam in FY16, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan told on Monday (29-09-2014).
The policy seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health expenses for the common man. The national health policy is also expected to come out by the end of the current financial year.

"I have discussed the issue with the health secretary and the National Health Assurance Policy would be rolled out in phases this year," said Vardhan.
Vardhan explained that under the scheme, 50 essential drugs (in generic form) with a package of diagnostics and about 30 AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) drugs will be made available to all citizens at government hospitals and health centres across the country.
One of key focus areas of the scheme is to address the high maternal mortality rate and improve nutritional levels. In order to promote the National Ayush Mission, the sixth World Ayurveda Congress will be held in Delhi during November 7-9, in collaboration with the Delhi government and World Ayurveda Foundation.
Through the Ayush mission, the Centre plans to plug the gaps in health services by supporting the efforts of various state governments for providing Ayush health services and education in the country, especially in the remote areas.