Ayushman Bharat saw 51% fall in average weekly claims amid lockdown: Report

Among procedures, planned surgeries such as cataract operations and joint replacements suffered a decline of over 90%, while hemodialysis declined by only 6%

There was a 51 per cent decline in the average weekly claims under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, according to an analysis done by a group of researchers.

Also, there was a steeper decline in utilisation of services in public hospitals than private hospitals during the lockdown, from March 25 to June 2, stated the National Health Authority (NHA) publication titled'PM-JAY Under Lockdown: Evidence on Utilisation Trends PM-JAY'.

The NHA is the apex body responsible for the implementation of health insurance scheme -- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojna (AB PM-JAY).

Among procedures, planned surgeries such as cataract