Ayushman Bharat Effected Revolution in Public Healthcare: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched seven years ago on September 23, 2018, as a revolutionary force in public healthcare, providing financial protection and dignity to millions. The flagship programme, offering Rs 5 lakh annual health insurance to the poor and senior citizens above 70, has redefined access to affordable, quality medical care, Modi said in a post on X, emphasising its blend of "scale, compassion, and technology" in empowering citizens.

The world’s largest health assurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat covers over 55 crore people, with more than 42 crore Ayushman cards issued, according to official data. The initiative has significantly reduced financial burdens, cutting out-of-pocket healthcare costs from 63% to 39% while increasing government health expenditure from 29% to 48%. This shift has shielded over six crore families annually from poverty due to medical expenses, ensuring that "illness doesn’t mean financial ruin," the government stated.

Modi highlighted the scheme’s forward-looking design, which anticipates future healthcare needs and prioritises accessibility for vulnerable populations. Launched under the National Health Policy 2017, Ayushman Bharat operates through two pillars: Health and Wellness Centres for primary care and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Over 29,000 empanelled hospitals nationwide deliver services, with 1.6 crore treatments provided by mid-2025, per health ministry records.

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The programme’s impact extends beyond economics, fostering social equity by covering marginalised groups, including rural families and unorganised sector workers. As India aims for universal health coverage by 2030, Ayushman Bharat’s integration of technology—such as digital health IDs—has streamlined service delivery, setting a global benchmark. Modi’s remarks underscore the scheme’s role in reshaping India’s healthcare landscape, with ongoing expansions planned to include more middle-class families and urban poor in 2026.

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