The Manohar Lal Khattar Government, on Monday, launched a Comprehensive Health insurance of Antyodaya Units scheme ‘CHIRAYU Haryana’ with an aim to expand the Ayushman Bharat scheme benefits to around 29 lakh beneficiaries having in annual income limit of Rs1.80 lakh.

The scheme was launched during a state-level programme held at Manesar, Gurugram. After the launch, the CM distributed golden cards to as many as 12 beneficiaries. An official spokesperson said with the launch of this scheme, eligible families will now not have to run from pillar to post for making financial arrangements to get better treatment facilities.

CHIRAYU Haryana is expected to give a new lease of life to the 1.25 crore Antyodaya population, which means that 50 per cent of residents of the State will be availing of the scheme benefit. The spokesperson said with the launch of this scheme, free medical facilities up to Rs Five lakh will be provided to all these families. The treatment cost will be borne by the state government.

Khattar said now the scope of this scheme has also been extended to Persons with Disabilities (PwD). “The launch of CHIRAYU has once again highlighted the state government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art health facilities to poor and needy families. From today, Antyodaya families have been brought under the ambit of ‘Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ (AB-PMYAY). This step taken by us would certainly give more momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Swasth Bharat Sashakt Bharat’,” he said.

The CM said the present state government has increased the BPL annual income limit from Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh.

“There are a total of 715 hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, including 539 private hospitals and 176 government hospitals.  This means that needy people are getting the benefit of health facilities through this scheme in about 32 hospitals in every district of Haryana. Treatment for 1500 health ailments will be possible under this scheme,” Khattar said.

He said so far claims worth more than Rs 580.77 Crore have been settled AB-PMJAY.