India’s Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has transformed healthcare access for millions, ensuring no one gets left behind in the journey to a healthier nation. Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted this milestone on Tuesday, marking the scheme’s seventh anniversary.
Launched on September 23, 2018, AB PM-JAY stands as the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program. It offers up to Rs. 5 lakh per family each year to cover secondary and tertiary hospital care. This vital support reaches about 55 crore people— that’s 12.37 crore families from the bottom 40% of India’s economically vulnerable population.
In a post on X, Nadda praised the scheme as a key achievement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “It now delivers universal health coverage to every citizen over 70, no matter their background,” he noted. The program acts like a reliable safety net for families facing tough medical times.
One big win? AB PM-JAY has slashed out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare by boosting social security and primary health investments. According to Health Ministry figures up to June, the scheme has greenlit over 9.84 crore hospital admissions, totaling more than Rs. 1.40 lakh crore in claims.
Nationwide, 31,466 hospitals join the network, including 14,194 private ones, making quality care easier to find. Plus, over 41 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued to help people access these benefits quickly.
Nadda pointed to the 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs spread across India as a game-changer. These centers bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, offering safe, affordable, and respectful medical services to millions in remote or underserved areas.
He credited the scheme’s success to teamwork between the government, doctors, hospitals, and everyday citizens. “A healthy India is essential for our developed nation vision,” Nadda said. Looking ahead, AB PM-JAY aims to guarantee equal, high-quality healthcare for every Indian, regardless of income or location. As Nadda put it, this reflects Modi’s bold vision and the country’s strong commitment to protecting public health.
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