SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that under the National Health Mission (NHM), it is providing free generic medicines and diagnostic tests to economically disadvantaged groups, including BPL families, widows, and the handicapped.
Replying to a question by MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that the NHM-J&K has implemented several initiatives to ensure free access to essential medicines and diagnostic services, especially benefiting the underprivileged sections of society.
“Under the Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiative, healthcare facilities have been strengthened to provide high-quality medical services at no cost,” the minister said.
She further informed that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Sub-Centre (SC) level provide 96 essential drugs and 14 diagnostic tests for free, PHC-level Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offer 175 essential drugs and 39 diagnostic tests at no cost and Community Health Centres (CHCs) now have dedicated Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Clinics, offering free medicines and diagnostics for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic illnesses.
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme (SEHAT Scheme) provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for patients admitted to government hospitals.
The minister also highlighted financial assistance schemes like Chief Minister’s Fund, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF), Indian Cancer Society (ICS), and MLA Fund, which offer medical aid to BPL patients. (KNO)
