Unlocking universal health coverage: Insights from a community-based explanatory sequential mixed-method study on...

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) seeks to provide Universal Health Coverage by 2030, addressing the healthcare needs of India's impoverished population. Despite its potential, significant gaps in enrolment and awareness persist, particularly in rural areas. This study aims to assess the knowledge, coverage, and utilization of AB-PMJAY among beneficiaries in rural Puducherry.

A community-based sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted among 540 households over 18 months in the field practice villages under Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) of a private medical college in Puducherry. The study participants comprised heads of households categorized under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) as per the Socioeconomic Caste Census 2011, and permanent residents of the selected villages. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and were analysed using SPSS v16.0. Thematic analysis was done for in-depth interviews.

The survey revealed that 71.7% of the beneficiaries were aware that AB-PMJAY is a government-funded health insurance scheme, but only 33.5% knew it covers only BPL families. The utilization remained low at 2.03%. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and occupation significantly influenced knowledge levels.

Additional strategies are required to enhance utilization among beneficiaries. Policymakers should focus on sustained awareness campaigns and addressing systemic issues to ensure the success of AB-PMJAY.