Andhra CM Jagan revamps YSR Aarogyasri scheme to cover 80% citizens. Here’s what it entails

The scheme’s origin

The Aarogyasri scheme — initially called the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme — was first initiated in 2007 under the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy-led Congress regime in United Andhra Pradesh.

This marked the first such initiative directed at Below-Poverty-Line families, enabling them to receive treatment in the network of private hospitals with the government covering the expenses.

The scheme played a pivotal role in putting health on the political map in the state and gained popularity among the masses. Several governments subsequently adopted and replicated this scheme, as it was believed to have yielded significant benefits for the Congress in the 2009 elections.

However, in 2014, the scheme was renamed the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva under the TDP government that was in power at the time. Subsequently, it was renamed the Dr YSR Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme by the YSRCP, led by Dr YS Jagan Mohan, son of Rajasekhara Reddy, when he came to power.

Chief Minister Jagan, who is relying on the beneficiaries of the family and healthcare system as a political support base, launched new health cards and increased their limit just few months away for the elections.

However, the TDP has labelled this move as an election gimmick.

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All about YSR Aarogyasri scheme

Speaking at the launch in Tadepalle, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan said, “The new YSR Aarogyasri scheme allows Andhra Pradesh citizens with an income below ₹5 lakh to avail medical treatment up to ₹25 lakh.”

The all-new YSR Aarogyasri scheme. (South First)

Reddy launched the revamped scheme on 18 December and it will be implemented across the state from 1 January 2024 for 3,257 ailments in over 2,513 hospitals, including those in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

In addition to Aarogya Aasara, which provides a postoperative sustenance allowance of ₹225 per day, the scheme now offers a follow-up consultation allowance of ₹300 to patients at three-month intervals through direct benefit transfer (DBT).

The new health cards will include QR codes containing family details and ABHA ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) — a 14-digit unique number assigned for their digital health records.

The Aarogyasri app is available on both Android and iOS, guiding beneficiaries on queries and identifying network hospitals.

In addition to the Aarogya Mithra help centres, which assists beneficiaries with queries and paperwork after treatment, beneficiaries are now entitled to provide a signed endorsement confirming that they were neither charged nor asked to pay any amount by the hospital or its staff.

The Chief Minister also added that the official machinery will supply WHO-quality medicines to people at their doorstep in collaboration with the postal department, in addition to making 562 types of medicines available in government hospitals.

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