Evaluating Ayushman Bharat's Contribution in Achieving Universal Healthcare and Equitable Healthcare: A Pathway to Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Sustainable development is a complex concept that integrates economic, environmental, and social aspects. It significantly influences public health, both directly and indirectly. The paper aims to explore the impact of Ayushman Bharat health insurance that was launched on September 23, 2018 for achieving universal healthcare which is one of the goal of sustainable development. By examining the latest studies and initiatives taken by the government in the healthcare sector the study has carried out a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of Ayushman Bharat to investigate the internal and external components influencing catastrophic health expenditure and promote equitable healthcare outcomes. The research examines long-term financial sustainability and impact on healthcare expenditure and how the policy's objectives and implementations contribute to or hinder the achievement of sustainable development goals. The study shows that insurance uptake in India’s poor and a patient who is not having any insurance and also not a beneficiary of any public health programme incurs a large out-of-pocket expenses with each hospital visit, with the majority of the out-of-pocket expense going towards the purchase of drugs and outpatient visit.