Mann ki baat 100th episode: Key lessons on healthcare and insurance for the masses

PM Modi’s radio show, Mann ki baat, broadcasted its 100th episode on 30th April, Sunday. Throughout the course of this show, PM Modi has addressed a wide array of topics pertaining to healthcare. He has talked about the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, practicing preventive healthcare and making insurance widely accessible. Here are three such instances: 

• PM Modi has highlighted government initiatives that aim to increase the affordability and accessibility of healthcare for millions of people in India. Ayushman Bharat, for example, provides up to Rs 5 lakh for medical treatment to approximately 50 crore people annually.
   
• He has also been a strong advocate for the eSanjeevani app, which has played a significant role in advancing digital healthcare in India. The app allows individuals to access telemedicine services and consult with doctors remotely via video conferencing. Till date, the number of consultations through the app has crossed 10 crore.
   
• PM Modi also lauded the burgeoning interest in holistic healthcare and traditional Indian medicine, including Ayurveda, which has proven to be pivotal in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. As a result of this trend, the Ayush industry has experienced unprecedented growth, having received investment proposals worth roughly Rs 10,000 crore during the recent 'Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit'.

Thanks to such initiatives, Indians are now more conscious of their healthcare needs and the importance of being adequately insured. The health and insurance industry is surely keeping up with the growing demand. In the last few years, the insurance industry has come up with features that prioritise holistic wellness and preventive healthcare. Here are some new-age health insurance features that you must know about.

Coverage for alternative treatments

Insurance industry has recognised the benefits of alternative treatments and are now offering coverage for them. From Ayurveda to acupuncture, policyholders can choose from a range of therapies to heal their body and mind. This means you can now pursue holistic health practices without worrying about the cost.

Free medical health check-ups

Many health insurance plans now offer free medical health check-ups. You can get regular health screenings and catch potential health issues early on. Prevention is better than cure, and with free check-ups, you can take charge of your health proactively.

Maternity coverage

For new mothers, maternity expenses can be a significant financial burden. But with the latest health insurance plans, maternity expenses are covered. From prenatal care to postnatal check-ups, everything is taken care of, allowing new moms to focus on their health and their baby's wellbeing.

OPD cover

Many policies now include OPD cover, which means you don't have to be hospitalised to claim insurance benefits. This covers expenses such as doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescription medicines. This is particularly beneficial for those who have chronic health conditions that require frequent medical attention.

Convenient telemedicine

With the advent of technology, people can now consult with doctors and specialists remotely, from the comfort of their homes. Telemedicine allows policyholders to access medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment through video conferencing, phone calls, or chat. You can avoid the hassle of physically visiting a doctor, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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