Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15 from Khunti, Jharkhand, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide government initiative, has achieved a significant milestone, recording over 1 crore footfalls in more than 65,300 health camps conducted across 3,156 gram panchayats and urban local bodies.
The health camps offer several facilities:
1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Under this flagship scheme, the yatra has generated more than 84 lakh Ayushman cards, distributing over 19 lakh physical cards. This initiative ensures that beneficiaries have access to essential healthcare services.
2. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMA): Prioritizing TB screening, the yatra has screened over 36.4 lakh individuals, referring more than 2.6 lakh to higher public health facilities. Consent for TB patient to receive assistance from Nikshay Mitras has been obtained from over 1.19 lakh patients, with more than 46,700 new Nikshay Mitras registered.
3. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Screening: In areas with a predominantly tribal population, the initiative has screened over 3.83 lakh people for Sickle Cell Disease, detecting 18,300 positive cases referred to higher public health facilities, addressing health challenges in specific communities.
4. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Screening: Focusing on individuals aged 30 and above, the Yatra has screened around 81.15 lakh people for hypertension and diabetes. Over 3.74 lakh individuals were suspected to have hypertension, and more than 2.69 lakh were suspected to have diabetes. Approximately 5.99 lakh were referred to higher public health facilities for further evaluation and care.
5. Empowering Communities on the Ground: The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra goes beyond awareness creation, providing on-the-spot services through health camps organized at the halts of the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Van in gram panchayats. This on-ground approach ensures that healthcare reaches the grassroots, making a tangible impact on people’s lives.