As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), it is a moment of immense pride and reflection. Launched in September 2018, under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, AB-PMJAY has grown to become one of the largest healthcare initiatives in the world. It represents the commitment of this government to provide equitable healthcare access for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
Over the last six years, this ambitious scheme has touched millions of lives, offering hope, healing, and, in many cases, life-saving treatment. The journey of AB-PMJAY has been a testament to what can be achieved when a nation comes together with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of its people.
Transforming healthcare access
The core mission of Ayushman Bharat is simple but profound: to ensure that no Indian is denied healthcare because of their financial status. With an annual coverage of ₹5 lakh per family to cover secondary and tertiary hospital care, AB-PMJAY has provided the means for economically disadvantaged families to receive quality medical care at some of the best hospitals in the country, free of cost.
The recent decision of the Government of India to expand the benefits of AB PM-JAY to all the senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status is a nuanced step to account for the changing demographic situation in our country. Earlier, families of our community health workers- Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Anganwadi Workers, and Anganwadi Helpers were brought under the cover of the scheme.
As of today, more than 55 crore people are eligible for healthcare services under the scheme, and over 7.5 crore treatments of over worth Rs. One Lakh crore has been successfully provided. This is a remarkable achievement. Families that were once pushed into poverty due to catastrophic health expenses now have a financial shield that protects them from such crises. For families facing catastrophic health expenses, the scheme has been a lifeline. Testimonials from beneficiaries – from farmers to daily wage labourers – are abundant, with many describing how the scheme saved them from financial ruin.
In this sense, Ayushman Bharat has indeed delivered on its promise. The scope of the scheme is comprehensive, covering over 1900 medical procedures, from complex surgeries like heart bypasses and joint replacements to treatments for diseases like cancer and kidney ailments. These are treatments that previously seemed out of reach for many, but AB-PMJAY has made them accessible, affordable, and available to all.
Expanding the network, strengthening the system
One of the hallmarks of AB-PMJAY has been its ability to create a robust network of healthcare providers. Today, more than 29,000 hospitals across India, including over 13,000 private hospitals, are empaneled under the scheme. This network spans rural and urban areas alike, ensuring that even those living in the most remote parts of the country can access quality healthcare services. The unique portability feature of the scheme has ensured that beneficiaries can avail treatment in hospitals across the country in addition to the state they belong to.
This vast network is supported by a robust IT infrastructure that ensures transparency, efficiency, and speed in claim settlements. The implementation of Aadhaar-based biometric verification and paperless claim processing has drastically reduced fraud and inefficiency, which are often challenges in such large-scale public welfare schemes.