Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Celebrates 6 Years of Transforming Healthcare in India

AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance initiative, offering health coverage of INR 5 Lakh per family per year.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, marked its sixth anniversary on Monday.

To commemorate the occasion, the Ministry of Health shared a message on social media platform X, stating, "Celebrating 6 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY! Here's to 6 years of making healthcare affordable for millions. Each Ayushman card represents hope and access to quality care. Let's continue to strive for a healthier India where everyone thrives!"

In January 2022, the Indian government expanded the scheme's beneficiary base from 10.74 Cr to 12 Cr families, in response to India's population growth.

The scheme was further extended to cover 37 Lakh ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs, as well as their families, ensuring they receive free healthcare benefits.

With over INR 1 Lakh Crore spent on healthcare under the scheme, AB PM-JAY seeks to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for millions across India.

Health Coverage Extended to Senior Citizens

Earlier this month, on September 11, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of health coverage under AB PM-JAY to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.

This expansion ensures that elderly citizens, irrespective of socio-economic status, can access the benefits provided by the scheme.

AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance initiative, offering health coverage of INR 5 Lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital care.

It currently covers around 55 Cr individuals, across 12.34 Cr families. Since its inception, the scheme has provided healthcare access to millions, with 7.37 Cr hospital admissions

recorded, including 49% of beneficiaries being women.

In another development, just days back, Odisha is anticipated to join the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) soon, according to sources from the health ministry.

Discussions between the Odisha government, now under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, and the National Health Authority (NHA) are reportedly nearing completion, with an official agreement expected to be signed in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.