Evaluation of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre for Coverage and Utilization of Non Communicable Disease Services in Rural Area of Bhandara District in Maharashtra

Abstract

newline Ayushman Bharat is one of the flagship initiatives of the Government of India to achieve universal health coverage. The Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) are designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to the citizens of India. The program aims to strengthen the primary healthcare infrastructure in the country, focusing on preventive and promotive healthcare. The program was launched to address healthcare delivery gaps and make quality healthcare accessible. Establishing and strengthening Health and Wellness Centres improves health outcomes and reduces the financial burden on individuals. newlineNon-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a group of medical conditions that are not infectious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. These diseases often have a chronic and long-duration nature, and they include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and certain types of cancers. NCDs have become a major global health challenge, responsible for a significant portion of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the increasing burden of NCDs. Governments and international organisations have initiated various public health programs to address the prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs. These initiatives often involve health education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and access to affordable healthcare services. newlineOut-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) refers to the direct payments made by individuals or households to healthcare providers when receiving medical services. This includes expenses not covered by insurance or other prepayment mechanisms. Efforts to newlinereduce OOPE often involve implementing health insurance schemes, social health protection newlineprograms, and policies to expand access to affordable healthcare. Comprehensive healthcare coverage is crucial to minimising the financial burden on individuals. There is a sig