Women Make Up About 49% Of Ayushman Cards: Health Ministry

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri — Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has emerged as a beacon of hope in India’s healthcare landscape, particularly for women. Data released by the Health Ministry reveals a significant contribution by women to the scheme’s success, with approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards created attributed to them.

Inclusive Healthcare: Women as Key Beneficiaries

Women’s participation extends beyond obtaining Ayushman cards. The data highlights that approximately 48% of total authorized hospital admissions under AB PM-JAY are for women. This underscores the pivotal role the scheme plays in addressing the healthcare needs of women across the country.

AB PM-JAY: A Glimpse into the World’s Largest Health Assurance Scheme

The Ayushman cards, a cornerstone of AB PM-JAY, offer health coverage of ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Lauded as the largest publicly funded health assurance scheme globally, it encompasses a wide beneficiary base, covering 55 crore individuals from 12 crore families, according to government figures.

Expanding Reach: States and Union Territories Taking the Lead

While the central scheme provides a broad framework, states and union territories have taken proactive steps to expand the beneficiary base, often at their own cost. This localized approach has contributed to the scheme’s success, ensuring that healthcare reaches even the remotest corners of the country.

Scaling Heights: Ayushman Cards’ Remarkable Growth

As of December 20, 2023, a staggering 28.45 Crore Ayushman Cards have been created since the inception of the scheme. Impressively, the year 2023 alone witnessed the creation of approximately 9.38 crore Ayushman Cards, reflecting the growing awareness and acceptance of the scheme among the populace.

Healing Touch: Massive Hospital Admissions Under AB PM-JAY

The impact of AB PM-JAY is further underscored by the sheer volume of hospital admissions authorized under the scheme. A total of 6.11 crore hospital admissions, amounting to ₹78,188 crores, have been authorized. Notably, the year 2023 saw 1.7 crore hospital admissions worth over ₹25,000 crores, emphasizing the scheme’s continuous momentum.

Healthcare Ecosystem: Empanelled Hospitals Playing a Vital Role

The scheme’s success also hinges on the active participation of the healthcare ecosystem. AB PM-JAY boasts a total of 26,901 hospitals, with 11,813 private hospitals empanelled to provide essential healthcare services to beneficiaries. This network ensures that individuals, especially women, have access to a diverse range of healthcare facilities.

Preventive Healthcare: Screening and Awareness Initiatives

Beyond hospital admissions, AB PM-JAY places a significant emphasis on preventive healthcare. Data from Ayushman Arogya Mandir Portal indicates that millions of screenings have been conducted for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. These screenings serve as crucial tools in early detection and prevention.

Holistic Well-being: Yoga and Wellness Sessions

Promoting holistic well-being, the scheme incorporates yoga and wellness sessions. As of December 15, 2023, a commendable 2.80 crore yoga and wellness sessions have been conducted in operational Ayushman Arogya Mandir, highlighting the scheme’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.