The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY, also called Ayushman Bharat or Modicare)) that offers Rs 5 lakh health insurance scheme may need to be in operation for at least 10 years for its real benefits to reach the masses.

A team from the University of Chicago is working with the National Health Authority (NHA) to offer strategies to improve coverage and awareness under the scheme.

Until now, 27 million people have been enrolled under the scheme and the target is to enrol 500 million people classified under the socio-economic caste census (SECC). NHA is the umbrella body to implement the scheme.

Research has shown an estimated 7 percent of India’s population is pushed into poverty each year due to medical expenses. In an interaction with Moneycontrol, Anup Malani, Professor at the University of Chicago said they are looking to improve efficiencies under the programme.

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