An Interpretative Phenomenological Study to Determine the Degree of Awareness of PMJAY, Public Healthcare, and Medical Insurance within Blue Collar Professionals in Gurgaon

Abstract

The Public Healthcare system of India has undergone various reforms throughout its history, with its most recent iteration of reform coming through the National Health Policy in 2017. In particular, the reforms sought to offer an avenue to make private healthcare affordable, through the implementation of Ayushman Bharat - a government-supported health insurance scheme offering a cover of 5 Lakhs per year, per family for treatment at empanelled hospitals.

 So far, research has been centered on examining Ayushman Bharat from a theoretical, national level, and if its implementation can be achieved successfully. Here, we examine Ayushman Bharat and the Healthcare system of Gurgaon, Haryana through an interpretative phenomenological study, examining the experiences and knowledge of the healthcare system and Ayushman Bharat of blue collar workers. 

The results indicate a disparity in the enrolment and knowledge in Ayushman Bharat based on their state of origin as well as education, and an inconsistent experience with Ayushman Bharat. The results highlight a need to particularly address the migrant community, and to streamline the application process, especially online.