Why Ayushman Bharat Scheme Led to Several Frauds?

Launched on September 23, 2018, Ayushman Bharat has been promoted as the world's largest free healthcare scheme that provides cover of Rs 5 lakh for every eligible household in India. The eligibility for this scheme is based on the Socio-economic and Caste Census, 2011, which identified deprived households in both rural and urban areas. While the scheme looks good on paper, it has been used and abused by private hospitals and health insurance companies. In 2019, during the Budget session of Parliament, the government allotted Rs 6,400 crore to the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This is more than 10% of the entire health budget (Rs 62,398 crore). And, shockingly, most of the money will go straight into the hands of private hospitals and insurance companies.