A Descriptive Study To Assess The Knowledge And Utilization Of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana In Selected Community Area

Abstract

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in 2018, is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program, providing ₹5 lakh annual cashless coverage per family for secondary and tertiary hospital care to over 50 crore economically disadvantaged Indians. This study aimed to assess the awareness and utilization of AB-PMJAY among residents of a selected village community using a quantitative, cross- sectional descriptive design. A total of 200 participants aged 13 years and above, meeting the eligibility criteria for AB-PMJAY, were selected through non probability sampling and convenient sampling. Data were collected using a demographic form, a knowledge questionnaire, and a utilization checklist, with tools validated through a pilot study on 10% of the sample. The results revealed that 90.5% were aware of the scheme and 87% had utilized it, primarily for diagnostic services (28%), hospital admissions (28.5%), and emergency care (29%), mostly in government hospitals (63.5%). While satisfaction levels were generally high, with 66.5% satisfied and 26.5% very satisfied, 53.5% reported significant out-of-pocket expenses, raising concerns about the scheme's cashless promise. Key barriers included long waiting times (34%), lack of information (26%), and denial of benefits (17.5%). Government advertisements (41.5%) and healthcare workers (36.5%) were the primary sources of information about the scheme.