India launches healthcare plan to cover 500 million people
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday formally launched a healthcare insurance scheme that is expected to cover some 500 million of the poorest people in the country.
The program forms part of the Ayushman Bharat, a government project to expand health services across India. The healthcare — launched as part of the project — has been dubbed "Modicare" after the prime minister.
Split between the central government and state authorities, (it) is expected to cost approximately $1.6 billion annually. It is expected to run in a "cashless and paperless" way.
Indian citizens with financial means have resorted to private health practices and clinics, where a consultation can cost $14. However, those options are out of reach for the millions of people who live on less than $2 a day.
https://www.dw.com/en/india-launches-healthcare-plan-to-cover-500-million-people/a-45608242
