In pursuance of the Cabinet decision communicated vide Communication

## Report on the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) Policy **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, dated March 15, 2021, regarding the establishment of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN). The PMSSN is established as a single, non-lapsable fund within the public account to finance key national healthcare initiatives. Funding for the PMSSN will be derived from the health component of the Health and Education Cess. The report outlines the policy's objectives, key provisions, target audience, and expected outcomes, based solely on the information provided in the notification. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the policy notification regarding the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN), based solely on the text of the provided document. This report aims to offer clarity on the fund's purpose, structure, and potential impact on the healthcare sector. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a **New Policy**. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the core objective is to create a dedicated and readily available funding mechanism for various national healthcare programs and initiatives, including: * National Health Mission (NHM) * Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (ABHWCs) * Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY) * Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) * Emergency and disaster preparedness and response during health emergencies. * Other components of healthcare. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy Rationale:** The establishment of the PMSSN suggests a need for a more streamlined and dependable funding source for national healthcare programs. The use of the Health and Education Cess indicates an intention to earmark specific revenue for the health sector, ensuring financial stability and predictability for critical healthcare initiatives. The need for a "non-lapsable" fund points to addressing past challenges with unspent funds being returned at the end of fiscal years, hindering long-term planning and execution of healthcare programs. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy Provisions:** The policy establishes the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) as: * A single fund. * A non-lapsable fund (meaning funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year). * Held within the public account of the Central Government. * Funded by the share of health in the Health and Education Cess levied under Section 136 of Finance Act, 2007. * Designated for use in funding various healthcare programs, including NHM, ABHWCs, ABPMJAY, PMSSY, emergency preparedness, and other healthcare components. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Healthcare Providers:** Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities involved in the various schemes mentioned (NHM, ABHWCs, ABPMJAY, PMSSY). * **Patients/Beneficiaries:** Individuals who are eligible for and utilize the healthcare services provided under the mentioned schemes. * **Government Agencies:** The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with agencies responsible for implementing and managing the mentioned healthcare programs. * **Taxpayers:** Indirectly affected as the Health and Education Cess contributes to the funding of the PMSSN. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the primary responsible agency. The Cabinet Secretariat is mentioned in the context of communicating the Cabinet decision. * **Timelines or procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the provided text. The notification serves as the foundational announcement of the PMSSN's creation. * Further details on fund allocation, management, and program-specific procedures would likely be outlined in subsequent guidelines or operational manuals. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy Outcomes:** The establishment of the PMSSN is expected to lead to: * Increased and more reliable funding for national healthcare programs. * Improved financial management within the health sector due to the non-lapsable nature of the fund. * Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of healthcare initiatives. * Strengthened emergency preparedness and response capabilities within the health system. * Improved access to healthcare services for the population, particularly through the targeted schemes. **9. Conclusion:** The notification regarding the establishment of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) represents a significant step towards strengthening the financial foundation of India's national healthcare programs. By creating a dedicated, non-lapsable fund sourced from the Health and Education Cess, the government aims to ensure the sustained and effective implementation of critical healthcare initiatives, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the population. Further details on the fund's operational aspects will be crucial in understanding the full scope and impact of this policy.

Key Entities Referenced