Lakshmi Yadav — How Ayushman Bharat Saved a Family from Medical Debt, Satna

The Day Everything Stopped

Lakshmi Yadav (45) was selling vegetables at the morning market in Satna's Maihar block when her husband Rameshwar (48) collapsed at home. Neighbours rushed him to the district hospital. The diagnosis: severe blockage in the coronary artery.

The doctor said the words Lakshmi had dreaded: "He needs bypass surgery. Cost: ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh."

The family had ₹8,000 in savings. Three school-going children. No insurance.

"I thought — we have come to the end. Either we sell the land and ruin our children's future, or we lose him."

A Neighbour Mentioned PSEF

A neighbour told Lakshmi about PSEF's health helpline. She called at 9 PM. A PSEF volunteer picked up.

Within 24 hours, PSEF's health coordinator Ramesh ji visited the hospital, reviewed the case, and said: "Do you have a ration card?"

They did.

The Ayushman Bharat Solution

Rameshwar's family was eligible for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) — ₹5 lakh annual health cover for eligible families. But like many rural families in MP, they had never enrolled.

What PSEF Did in 72 Hours

• Checked eligibility via PM-JAY portal
• Helped collect documents: Aadhaar, ration card, income certificate
• Enrolled the family online — card generated in 48 hours
• Coordinated with the empanelled hospital in Satna city
• Accompanied Lakshmi to navigate hospital admission (she had never been to a city hospital)

The Surgery

• Performed at an Ayushman-empanelled private hospital
• Total cost to the family: ₹0
• Government coverage: ₹2,78,000
• Rameshwar was discharged in 9 days, fully recovered

Lakshmi's Words

"In my 45 years, I had never heard of Ayushman Bharat. The government had this scheme for us and we didn't know. PSEF found it, fought for it, and sat with me in that big city hospital so I wasn't alone. I don't know how to thank them."

After Recovery

Lakshmi now volunteers with PSEF's health awareness programme in her block. She has personally helped 11 families get their Ayushman Bharat cards enrolled.

"I know how scary it is to face that hospital bill without money. If I can stop even one family from feeling that fear, it's worth it."

PSEF Health Programme in Satna

| Indicator | Achievement | |-----------|-------------| | Ayushman cards enrolled | 3,400+ families | | Free treatments facilitated | ₹4.2 crore value | | Health camps held | 52/year | | Trained health volunteers | 64 |

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