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Bihar Elderly Regain Sight Through Ayushman Bharat, Hail Scheme's Impact

Elderly residents of Motihari, Bihar, have regained their eyesight through free cataract surgeries funded by the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Beneficiaries like Ramsakhi Devi and Lalababu Rai shared how the program alleviated their financial burdens and allowed them to access necessary medical treatment. The scheme provides an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh to enrolled families, aiming to support crores of vulnerable households across India. Doctors note the initiative has encouraged more poor patients to seek treatment, preventing avoidable blindness.

Key Points: Ayushman Bharat Restores Vision for Bihar's Elderly

  • Free cataract surgery for elderly
  • Financial relief for vulnerable families
  • Rs 5 lakh annual health cover
  • World's largest public healthcare scheme
  • Direct beneficiary testimonials
2 min read

Bihar: Ayushman Bharat scheme brings fresh hope for Motihari's elderly with poor eyesight

Motihari seniors share how Ayushman Bharat's free cataract surgery gave them a new lease on life, highlighting the scheme's role in accessible healthcare.

"My life has been filled with light again. - Lalababu Rai"

Patna, Jan 21

For Ramsakhi Devi and Lalababu Rai, the residents of Motihari district in Bihar, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana came as a beacon of hope.

Both the senior citizens suffered from poor eyesight due to worsening cataract condition and they found it difficult to undergo treatment because of financial hardships. But today they have been treated free of cost and are living a normal life with clear vision - thanks to the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme.

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana - Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in 2018, is the world's largest public healthcare scheme, assisting crores of vulnerable families enrolled with it. The beneficiaries get a healthcare insurance of Rs 5 lakh, and it applies to every eligible household on an annual basis.

A couple of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries in Motihari, speaking to IANS, thanked the government for the necessary financial and medical support in helping them tide over difficult phases of life.

Neetu Devi said that she was unable to afford the money for the treatment, but as soon as she heard about the Ayushman card, she got her mother-in-law registered under the scheme and also got her cataract surgery conducted. She also expressed gratitude to the Modi government for launching a poverty-friendly scheme.

Lalababu Rai said, "The Ayushman card has been a great benefit. My eyes were operated on for free. I want to thank the government because my life has been filled with light again."

Shivam Kumar, who got his father's treatment under the scheme, thanked the government.

Dr A.B. Singh, who operated on a few patients, said that previously, poor people did not seek treatment due to a lack of money and would often become blind. Before this facility was available, people would go to various camps for treatment, which often led to many problems.

"Now, patients come with their 'Ayushman cards' and receive free treatment," he stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great scheme, but implementation is key. In my district, the empanelled hospitals are far away and the paperwork is confusing for elderly villagers. The government must ensure the last-mile delivery is as strong as the policy intent.
A
Aman W
Restoring eyesight is like giving someone a new life. Jai Ho to the doctors and the scheme! We need more such stories from Bihar and UP. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in public health, the scale of AB-PMJAY is genuinely impressive. Covering crores of families is a massive logistical task. The focus now should be on quality control and preventing fraud at hospitals.
V
Vikram M
Bahut accha hai! My chacha in Motihari also got treated last year. Before this, he was saving for years for his surgery. Now he tells everyone in the mohalla about the Ayushman card. Such schemes build real trust.
K
Kriti O
While the scheme is good, we must not forget the crumbling primary health centres (PHCs) in Bihar. Insurance for critical care is one part, but basic healthcare at the village level is still a huge challenge. Both need equal focus.

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