NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday announced the extension of healthcare cover under Ayushman Bharat to all ASHA and anganwadi workers.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme in the world that provides coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
Till December 27 last year, 55 crore people belonging to 12 crore families were covered under the scheme.
While presenting the interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it is the government's priority to adequately and timely finance MSMEs.
The Minister also announced the government's commitment to prioritise cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14.
"Our government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer," said Sitharaman.
Cervical cancer, the second most prevalent cancer among Indian women, arises in the cervix and is primarily linked to persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. India contributes to approximately 25% of global cervical cancer deaths.