Centre-State coordination must for success of Ayushman Bharat: UP Health minister

"Centre-state coordination is critical given the fact that the states have to bear 40 percent share of the premium cost and therefore financial commitment as well as timely payment is critical to the success of the scheme," he said.

Singh said in order to ensure the success of the scheme and that health services envisaged in the scheme reached the last beneficiary, the participation and responsiveness of both government and private facilities was critical.

"At each level, good governance must be the driving force to get the desired result," he said.

Sharing his views on the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission, Singh said it met the long felt need of Financial Risk Protection from catastrophic healthcare expenses.

"I am confident that the Ayushman Bharat Scheme will be a game changer for the people of India and will fulfil our dream of ensuring a healthy India," he said.

Referring to challenges faced in the implementation of the scheme, he said it would need a holistic approach and re-engineering for adequate health financing, health workforce, medical products, health information and people-centred, integrated and responsive healthcare system.

"Therefore, in my opinion, state governments should build and strengthen a receptive, responsive and resilient public health system to cater to the huge demands of this scheme," he said.