Ayushman Sahakar Scheme: Strengthening Cooperative-Led Healthcare Infrastructure in India

Why in News ?

The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation recently informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation and progress of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme, highlighting its role in strengthening cooperative-led healthcare infrastructure across the country.

Background and Context

India’s healthcare system faces structural challenges such as:

• Uneven distribution of healthcare facilities between urban and rural areas,
• High out-of-pocket expenditure,
• Limited access to affordable tertiary healthcare in remote regions.

While government schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide financial protection, there remains a significant need to:

• Expand healthcare infrastructure,
• Strengthen last-mile service delivery,
• Improve access in rural and semi-urban areas.

Cooperative societies, historically active in sectors like agriculture, dairy, and banking, have increasingly been viewed as potential partners in expanding community-based healthcare services. The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme was conceptualised to leverage the cooperative movement for building holistic and affordable healthcare infrastructure.

What is the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme?

• Implementing Agency: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
• Nature: Financial assistance scheme for cooperative societies.
• Purpose: To promote holistic healthcare infrastructure, education, and services through cooperatives.

The scheme aims to integrate the cooperative sector into national health objectives by facilitating affordable healthcare delivery.

Objectives of the Scheme

1. Affordable and Holistic Healthcare

• Assist cooperative societies in establishing hospitals, healthcare centres, and health education institutions.
• Promote accessible and affordable medical services in underserved regions.

2. Promotion of AYUSH Facilities

Encourage cooperatives to establish and expand facilities related to:

• Ayurveda,
• Yoga & Naturopathy,
• Unani,
• Siddha,
• Homoeopathy.

This aligns with India’s traditional healthcare systems and integrative medicine approach.

3. Alignment with National Health Policy

Support cooperative institutions in achieving objectives such as:

• Universal Health Coverage,
• Reduction in catastrophic health expenditure,
• Strengthening primary and secondary healthcare systems.

4. Participation in Digital Health Ecosystem

Enable cooperatives to integrate with national digital initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, ensuring:

• Digital health records,
• Telemedicine services,
• Interoperable healthcare systems.

Key Features of Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

1. Eligibility

• Any cooperative society registered under State or Multi-State Cooperative Societies Acts.
• Must have suitable provisions in bye-laws to undertake healthcare-related activities.

2. Financial Assistance

• Term loan for healthcare infrastructure development.
• Supports establishment and modernisation of hospitals and diagnostic centres.

3. Loan Tenure

• Up to 8 years,
• Includes 1–2 years moratorium on principal repayment depending on project viability.

4. Interest Incentive

• 1% interest rebate for cooperative societies with majority women members, promoting gender inclusion.

5. Infrastructure Support

• Funding for new healthcare facilities,
• Upgradation and modernisation of existing cooperative healthcare institutions.

Significance of the Scheme

1. Strengthening Rural Healthcare Infrastructure

By empowering local cooperatives, the scheme enhances:

• Decentralised healthcare delivery,
• Access in remote and rural areas,
• Community-based health governance.

2. Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure

Affordable cooperative-run hospitals can:

• Lower treatment costs,
• Improve financial protection for vulnerable populations.

3. Promoting Women-Led Cooperatives

The interest rebate incentivises:

• Women participation in the cooperative movement,
• Gender-inclusive healthcare entrepreneurship.

4. Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine

Promotion of AYUSH facilities supports:

• Pluralistic healthcare systems,
• Preventive and holistic treatment models.

5. Advancing Cooperative Federalism and Inclusive Growth

The scheme:

• Expands the cooperative sector’s role beyond agriculture and credit,
• Strengthens grassroots institutional capacity,
• Contributes to inclusive socio-economic development.

Broader Policy Relevance

Ayushman Sahakar complements:

• Universal health coverage initiatives,
• Digital health transformation,
• Strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure,
• The broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through cooperative empowerment.