Niti Aayog bites bullet on Modicare, asks healthmin for realistic estimates

Niti Aayog has announced that Modicare would cost Rs. 100-120 billion a year

In a proposal put up before the expenditure finance committee (EFC), the Union Health Ministry and the Niti Aayog have suggested that the total cost of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) or Modicare would be around Rs 250 billion, including Rs 100 billion that is to be borne by state governments, for 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Niti Aayog, which is said to be brainchild behind the scheme, however, said this cost was based on “assumption”.

“As per the total cost estimates of the scheme placed at Rs 250 billion is based on an assumption of Rs. 650 per family from