A nationwide survey conducted under the ‘Ayushman for All’ campaign by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People has revealed a glaring gap in India’s healthcare system-82 percent of persons with disabilities (PwDs) lack insurance coverage, and 42 percent are unaware of the Government’s flagship health scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. These numbers are not just statistics; they reflect a dire reality where a significant section of society remains vulnerable, unsupported, and invisible in policy frameworks. The findings were shared at the National Disability Network Meeting, where disability rights groups and civil society organisations from over 20 states convened to discuss the systemic barriers faced by PwDs. It is concerning that despite AB-PMJAY’s mission to provide health coverage to vulnerable populations, only 28 percent of surveyed PwDs reported applying for it. This highlights the deep-seated issues of awareness, accessibility, and systemic discrimination that continue to plague India’s healthcare landscape.
Living with a disability often translates into higher medical expenses due to the need for ongoing treatment, assistive devices, and specialised care. The exclusion of PwDs from comprehensive health coverage exacerbates financial distress, forcing many into debt or leaving them without necessary medical care. The very system meant to uplift and support them continues to fail them. Disability rights activists rightly argue that health insurance should not be a privilege but a fundamental necessity. The recent Delhi High Court ruling on insurance for PwDs was a landmark decision, yet private insurers continue to deny coverage or impose exorbitant premiums, making it inaccessible for most disabled individuals. There is an urgent need for legal mandates that compel both Government and private insurers to offer inclusive and affordable healthcare options.
The Government’s current approach to healthcare coverage is fundamentally flawed regarding PwDs. While Ayushman Bharat offers unconditional coverage to senior citizens above 70 years, no such provision exists for disabled individuals, many of whom require lifelong medical attention. This exclusionary policy further perpetuates the cycle of poverty and marginalisation. As the Executive Director of NCPEDP, rightly pointed out that disability and poverty are intertwined in a vicious cycle. The lack of accessible healthcare coverage not only deepens financial burdens but also reduces opportunities for employment and social integration. By failing to address this gap, the Government is not only neglecting a vulnerable population but also contradicting its own commitments under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and international obligations like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Healthcare accessibility for PwDs requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy changes, awareness campaigns, and systemic restructuring. The Government must consider the following urgent measures: Universal coverage under Ayushman Bharat for all PwDs, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable; stronger legal frameworks to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on disability; targeted awareness campaigns to address the 42 percent of PwDs who are unaware of AB-PMJAY; a cashless and accessible healthcare system to remove bureaucratic hurdles; and state-wise implementation plans with better data collection, regular audits, and collaboration with disability rights organizations.
Disability rights activists rightly stress the importance of political representation in policy-making. The lack of PwD representation in legislative bodies has led to their issues being sidelined. Inclusive healthcare cannot be achieved without political will, accountability, and active participation from the community itself. Decision-makers must engage with disability rights organisations, listen to the lived experiences of PwDs, and draft policies that reflect their actual needs rather than theoretical assumptions.
The marginalisation of PwDs in India’s healthcare system is not an isolated issue-it is symptomatic of broader societal neglect and structural discrimination. India has made commendable progress in various social sectors, but it lags in ensuring equitable healthcare for all. It is time to fulfil the promise of inclusive growth by recognising that healthcare is not a privilege-it is a fundamental right that must be accessible to all, regardless of ability.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
