Ayushman Bharat Completes 7 Years: Transforming India’s Healthcare Landscape

September 23, 2025 marks the 7th anniversary of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme. Launched in September 2018 from Ranchi, this initiative has reshaped public healthcare in India by extending free, cashless medical treatment to over 55 crore beneficiaries across the country.

Revolutionizing Healthcare Access with Financial Protection

• At its core, Ayushman Bharat offers an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• This scheme enables cashless and paperless treatment at empaneled hospitals nationwide.
• Over the past seven years, more than 10.30 crore hospital admissions have been authorized, resulting in ₹1.48 lakh crore worth of cashless healthcare.
• These services have not only improved medical access but also significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenditure for millions.

Expanding Inclusivity: More Beneficiaries, More Impact

• The scheme’s coverage has steadily widened. In 2022, the beneficiary base was expanded to include 12 crore families, ensuring broader reach.
• By 2024, essential grassroots workers like ASHA and anganwadi workers and their families were brought under its umbrella, recognizing their crucial role in India’s public health system.
• In a major move towards universal coverage, from October 2024, all senior citizens above 70 years of age have been granted automatic inclusion through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
• Additionally, nearly one crore gig and platform workers are being added to the program, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to the changing nature of India’s workforce.

Strengthening Infrastructure with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

• Over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health and Wellness Centres) are currently functional across India.
• These centers serve as the front line of primary healthcare, offering diagnostic, preventive, and essential health services.
• This decentralized model ensures that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable, particularly in rural and remote regions.

Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Public Health

• Calling it a “revolution in public healthcare”. In his remarks, he emphasized how Ayushman Bharat has safeguarded both the dignity and financial stability of countless families.
• Highlighting the blend of scale, compassion, and technology, the Prime Minister noted that India is demonstrating how large-scale welfare programs can empower citizens and meet future healthcare needs.
• Shared an article titled “Ayushman Bharat – from a promise to a people’s movement for universal health coverage.” The piece underlined how the scheme symbolizes the government’s determination to protect every citizen and showcases the distance India has covered in its journey toward universal health coverage (UHC).

Key Takeaways

• Launched in September 2018 from Ranchi.
• Provides ₹5 lakh annual health cover per family.
• Over 10.3 crore hospital admissions and ₹1.48 lakh crore worth of treatments authorized.
• Beneficiaries include 12 crore families, with ASHA/anganwadi workers and senior citizens 70+ now included.
• Over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in operation.
• Gig and platform workers are also being added to the scheme.