The Ministry of Ayush recently held a program to discuss integrating traditional Indian medicine systems (Ayush) into mainstream healthcare insurance. This initiative follows the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority’s (IRDAI) April 2024 directive mandating insurance companies to cover Ayush treatments.
The objectives of this initiative are to:
- Improve accessibility and affordability of Ayush treatments for all citizens,
- Foster collaboration between Ayush hospitals and insurance providers and
- Develop a framework for seamless cashless access to Ayush services through insurance networks.
The Ministry and Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) have jointly published Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for Ayush practices, a first in India. Encouraging Ayush hospitals to adopt STGs and register on the Ayush Ministry’s ROHINI platform will facilitate insurance coverage.
Experts propose a “flat rate” model considering longer treatment stays in Ayush compared to allopathic medicine. Additionally, categorizing treatments based on disease severity and patient health can optimize coverage.
Benefits of Ayush Integration:
- Addressing Chronic Conditions: Ayush offers potential for managing long-term and chronic illnesses.
- Holistic Healthcare: Integrating Ayush with allopathic medicine promotes a more comprehensive approach to healthcare.
- Palliative Care: Ayush therapies can provide valuable support for palliative and end-of-life care.
The Ministry of Ayush has formed a Core Group of Experts on Insurance to advise on insurance-related matters and create a white paper on the subject.
Collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) is underway to potentially include Ayush treatments within the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.
