Introduction to Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana (DKBSSY)

The Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana (DKBSSY) was launched by the Chhattisgarh government to provide universal health coverage to its residents. Named after Dr. Khubchand Baghel, a prominent figure and social reformer from Chhattisgarh, the scheme aims to ensure that every household in the state has access to quality medical treatment without facing financial hardship.

DKBSSY is implemented as a trust-based model and consolidates various existing state and central health schemes under a single umbrella, significantly expanding the scope and benefits of healthcare access for the citizens of Chhattisgarh. It is a major step towards achieving health security for all.

Objectives of DKBSSY

• To provide comprehensive and quality cashless medical treatment to all eligible households in Chhattisgarh.
• To simplify access to healthcare services based on ration cards issued by the State Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department.
• To reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare for citizens.
• To integrate various health schemes (both state and central) for streamlined benefits and wider coverage.
• To ensure that even rare and critical illnesses can be treated with financial assistance.

Key Benefits and Coverage under DKBSSY

The scheme provides different levels of financial assistance based on the type of ration card held by the family:

• Priority Ration Card and Antyodaya Ration Card Holders: These families are eligible for cashless healthcare treatment up to **Rs. 5 lakh per family per annum**. This covers a wide range of medical and surgical procedures.
• General Ration Card Holders: These families are eligible for cashless healthcare treatment up to **Rs. 50,000 per family per annum**.

Specific aspects of coverage:

• Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals both within Chhattisgarh and in other states.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers expenses related to hospitalization, surgeries, procedures, diagnostics, and therapies for identified diseases.
• Integration with Ayushman Bharat: DKBSSY works in conjunction with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Eligible families under PM-JAY also receive benefits, and DKBSSY often extends coverage beyond PM-JAY's scope for Chhattisgarh residents.
• Special Provisions for Critical Diseases: The scheme includes provisions for rare and critical diseases, which may receive higher financial assistance (up to Rs. 20 lakh under the Chief Minister Special Health Assistance Scheme, which is now part of this broader framework). This includes specific conditions like Haemophilia, Cancer, Aplastic Anemia, Cochlear Implants (for children), and Acid Attack cosmetic procedures (with specific conditions, often requiring treatment in government hospitals).
• Pre-existing Diseases: All pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.

Eligibility Criteria

The primary eligibility criterion for DKBSSY is based on the family's ration card issued by the State Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department of Chhattisgarh.

• All permanent residents (domicile holders) of Chhattisgarh.
• Families possessing a valid **Priority Ration Card** .
• Families possessing a valid **Antyodaya Ration Card** .
• Families possessing a valid **General Ration Card** .

The scheme aims to cover almost 90% of the state's population through this ration card-based eligibility.

Application Process / How to Avail Benefits

The DKBSSY is a trust-based scheme, and the benefits are primarily availed directly at the empanelled hospitals.

1. Possess a Valid Ration Card: Ensure your family has a valid ration card issued by the Chhattisgarh Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department.
2. Visit Empanelled Hospital: When a medical emergency arises or planned treatment is required, visit any government or private hospital empanelled under the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana. The official DKBSSY website lists empanelled hospitals.
3. Verification at Hospital: At the hospital desk (often an 'Ayushman Mitra' or scheme coordinator), present your ration card and Aadhaar card (or other valid government ID). The hospital will verify your eligibility using the ration card details.
4. Cashless Treatment: Once eligibility is confirmed and the treatment falls under the scheme's packages, you will receive cashless treatment. The hospital directly claims the expenses from the State Nodal Agency (SNA) managing the scheme.
5. No Separate Application Form: Generally, there isn't a separate, extensive application form to "apply" for the scheme in advance as an individual. Eligibility is primarily determined by your ration card and residency.

For some specific cases or high-cost treatments, approval from the State Nodal Agency may be required, which the empanelled hospital will facilitate.

Scheme Management and Nodal Agency

The Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana is managed by a **State Nodal Agency (SNA)** established under the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Chhattisgarh. This agency is responsible for:

• Empanelment of hospitals.
• Processing claims from hospitals.
• Monitoring the implementation of the scheme.
• Ensuring quality of services and grievance redressal.
• Developing IT platforms for scheme management.

Official Website and Contact Information

• Official Website of DKBSSY: https://dkbssy.cg.nic.in/
• Helpline Number: 0771-4095198
• Email ID: snachhattisgarh@cg.gov.in
• Address: DKS Bhawan Ke Peeche, Second Floor, Old Nursing Hostel, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492001 (Always verify the latest address on the official website).

It is always advisable to refer to the official DKBSSY website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding empanelled hospitals, scheme guidelines, package lists, and contact details.