Central University of Jammu Organises Workshop on Impact Assessment Study of Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY

Jammu, 05 Feb 2024: Central University of Jammu (CUJ) organised a significant workshop aimed at disseminating the findings of an ICSSR sponsored empirical project on impact assessment study of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). The workshop brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and stakeholders to deliberate on the findings of the study.

The study conducted by the Central University of Jammu sought to evaluate the effectiveness and socio-economic impact of PMJAY on the beneficiaries and the healthcare system at large. The prestigious event was held under the patronage of hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain.The inaugural of the workshop commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, in his keynote address conveyed the congratulations to the whole project team for successful completion of the project. He highlighted the importance of such studies in understanding the real-world impact of government policies. He expressed the importance of organising such type of project findings dissemination workshops as they are crucial for evidence-based policymaking and improving the efficacy of Government schemes and policies.

Sh. Sanjiv M. Gadkar (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, State Health Agency,  JK was the guest of honour . He emphasized the critical importance of PMJAY in providing health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable citizens across the nation. He highlighted the transformative potential of the scheme in ensuring financial protection and healthcare access for millions of families.

Prof. Deepak Pathania, Dean Research Studies, appreciated the project team and shared his valuable insights about the research paradigm in the university. In his address he mentioned various initiatives taken by the university for promoting quality research so that the gross-root level problems in all sections of the society can be addressed.

 Prof. J. N. Baliya, Project Coordinator, briefed the gathering about the project and the strategies adopted while completing the project in a short span of time. Prof. Balia shared the adopted procedure and thanked the State Health Agency officials for their unwavering support during the conduct of the study.

Earlier Dr. Manik Sharma welcomed the guests, health officials, PMAM’s, researchers from the universities and others for joining the workshop and further said that their presence will enrich the discussions on the findings of the study. The event was also graced by the project directors, Dr. Parul Bahal, Dr. Mandeep Singh, Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma and State Health officials across the J&K, UTs Dr. Priya Khajuria, Dr. Muneer, Dr. Vivek Koul, Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Dr. Beenish Rather, Dr. Shivangi Sangotra, Mr. Devider Sharma, Mrs. Monika Sharma. Some participants had also joined the workshop via. Online mode.

The workshop featured presentations by project team Dr. Manik Sharma and others who are involved in the study, who shared key methodologies, findings and recommendations derived from their analysis. The event was enriched by the valuable insights from the Health Officials. Topics covered included healthcare accessibility, quality of services, financial protection, and the overall impact on beneficiaries’ well-being.

The workshop facilitated constructive discussions among participants, encouraging exchanges of ideas and perspectives on ways to optimize PMJAY and similar initiatives for better healthcare outcomes in India. Attendees praised the comprehensive nature of the study and its potential to inform future policy decisions. The event concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to further collaborate and utilize the research findings to strengthen the implementation of PMJAY and improve healthcare delivery for all citizens.