Ayushman Bhav initiative: implementation and trend analysis of Medical Camps in Chandigarh

Background: The 'Ayushman Bhav' initiative, launched in 2023, strives to expand healthcare services, bolstered by 'Ayushman-Apke Dwar 3.0,' which elevates awareness and facilitates Ayushman card distribution. Leveraging medical colleges, it enhances specialist services and clinical training through community health camps, aiming for universal health coverage. Trend analysis of medical camps in Chandigarh under Ayushman Bhav initiative Method: The descriptive study, conducted in Chandigarh from September 2023 to March 2024, examined Ayushman Bhav medical health camps at CHCs in Sectors 22 and 45, organized by GMCH, Sector 32. Weekly camps alternated between the two CHCs, involving multidisciplinary medical teams to enhance specialist outreach and improve healthcare delivery. Results: Ayushman Bhav health camps in CHCs, Sectors 22 and 45, served 16,331 patients. CHC, sector 22 had higher general OPD consultations (71.7%) while minor surgeries were mostly performed in CHC, sector 45. Screening services varied, with CHC, sector 22 focusing on hypertension, diabetes and sector 45 on breast cancer. Referrals were higher from CHC, sector 45. Conclusion: The study underscores varied healthcare utilization patterns in Chandigarh's Ayushman health camps, emphasizing tailored interventions to address declining trends in outpatient visits, diagnostic evaluations and referrals to specialized facilities. Proactive measures like cancer screening reflect a need for continued access to quality healthcare and preventive initiatives.