J&K: Ayushman Bharat turns lifeline for Banihal residents, thousands receive free treatment
Jammu, June 18
The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is proving to be a major lifeline for the people of the Banihal region of Jammu & Kashmir, as the healthcare scheme has brought free and affordable medical treatment and medicines to their doorsteps.
Thousands of beneficiaries enrolled under the scheme are availing free treatment at several government and government-aided hospitals in the district.
A government hospital in Banihal, under the supervision of Dr Raees Ahmed Khanday, is consistently expanding the scheme's reach and enrolling new beneficiaries.
A large number of patients visit the hospital daily to avail themselves of facilities such as free consultations, medicines, diagnostic tests, and surgeries.
Residents of Banihal and surrounding areas said that this has made quality healthcare accessible for them, particularly for poor and economically disadvantaged families.
Many locals shared with newsmen accounts of their experiences in the pre- and post-Ayushman Bharat eras.
Many beneficiaries heaped praise on the Modi government and described the scheme as a game-changer that will strengthen healthcare security, particularly for the poor and marginalised.
A local youth named Bahar Ahmed Tantray told IANS, "My mother suffered a fracture. Her treatment was arranged at the hospital using the Ayushman card. Along with the medical treatment, we also received medicines and other facilities. We thank the government for this."
Dr. Raees Ahmed Khanday, the doctor in charge at Banihal Hospital, said, "Patients are receiving free treatment at the hospital through the Ayushman card. Every month, approximately 60 to 70 patients are admitted and treated using the Ayushman card."
Another patient, Gul Mohammad Lone, sharing his experience with IANS, said, "I arrived at the hospital feeling unwell, and given my condition, I was admitted. I have an Ayushman card, through which I am receiving all tests, treatment, and medicines free of cost."
He praised the Central government scheme, saying, "It is an excellent scheme. It enables poor people to get medical treatment for free."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to hear positive stories from J&K. However, the real challenge is ensuring every eligible person actually gets the card and knows how to use it. Many in my village still don't know about the scheme properly. The govt needs to do more awareness campaigns in local languages.
It's encouraging to see a government healthcare scheme actually working on the ground. From fractures to routine tests, people are getting care that was previously out of reach. This is how you build trust in public institutions.
I've seen the Ayushman card work wonders in my own family. My uncle got his cataract surgery done for free in Srinagar. But one concern: private hospitals sometimes refuse to honor the card or push patients towards paid packages. Govt needs to monitor this strictly.
Incredible how a simple plastic card can change lives! For families who had to sell land or take loans for medical emergencies, this is revolutionary. Kudos to Dr. Raees and his team for making it work in Banihal. More power to such initiatives!
While I'm happy for the beneficiaries, I can't help but notice that this should have been done decades ago. Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a favor. Still, better late than never. Let's hope the scheme reaches every village in Kashmir equally.
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