Ayushman Bharat: Transforming India into the World’s Largest Public Health Network
A Landmark in Universal Health Coverage
India’s flagship healthcare initiative, the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has reached a monumental milestone, becoming the world’s largest publicly funded healthcare programme. Designed to protect the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, the scheme offers annual health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family, ensuring that millions can access quality medical care without financial distress.
Since its launch on September 23, 2018, Ayushman Bharat has fundamentally changed how healthcare is delivered in India — bridging gaps in access, affordability, and quality. The vision is simple yet profound: no family should fall into poverty due to medical expenses.
Unprecedented Reach and Impact
As of October 28, 2025, more than 42 crore Ayushman cards have been issued to eligible beneficiaries, enabling them to avail of cashless treatment at hospitals empanelled under the scheme. Among these beneficiaries, over 86 lakh senior citizens have already been enrolled, marking a significant stride in providing dignity and security to India’s elderly population.
According to the Economic Survey 2024–25, Ayushman Bharat has collectively saved its beneficiaries over ₹1.52 lakh crore in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses since its inception — a remarkable testament to its real-world impact on family finances and public health outcomes.
A Vast Network of Empanelled Hospitals
The scheme operates through a vast network of more than 33,000 hospitals, including 17,685 public and 15,380 private institutions across the country. These hospitals provide free or heavily subsidised treatment to families identified as economically disadvantaged. Currently, over 12 crore low-income families — representing nearly 50 crore individuals — are eligible for benefits under AB-PMJAY.
This massive healthcare network ensures that beneficiaries can receive treatment for over 1,600 medical conditions, including surgeries, diagnostics, and follow-up care, across both secondary and tertiary levels of care.
Beyond Insurance: The Broader Ayushman Bharat Vision
AB-PMJAY is only one pillar of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, which represents a comprehensive framework for universal health coverage. The programme integrates efforts across three major domains: primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare — making it not just an insurance plan, but a national healthcare transformation mission.
The other major pillars of Ayushman Bharat include:
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM)
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres, have redefined grassroots healthcare delivery, especially in rural and remote regions. These centres provide essential primary care services, including screening and management of non-communicable diseases, as well as dental, ophthalmic, ENT, and palliative care.
With the integration of telemedicine, healthcare access has expanded dramatically. By September 2025, over 39 crore teleconsultations had been completed through these centres, allowing patients in remote areas to connect with qualified doctors and specialists seamlessly.
Digitising Health Records: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), India is building a national digital health ecosystem that ensures secure and seamless access to medical data. Central to this mission is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) — a unique digital health ID that allows citizens to store and access their health records across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs.
So far, nearly 80 crore ABHA IDs have been created, with over 6.7 crore digital health records already linked — laying the foundation for a connected, data-driven, and transparent healthcare system.
Building for the Future: Strengthening Health Infrastructure
Recognising the importance of robust health infrastructure, the government launched the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) on October 25, 2021. With an ambitious total outlay of ₹64,180 crore for 2021–2026, the mission aims to upgrade public health facilities, establish new laboratories, and enhance disease surveillance systems.
Out of this, ₹54,205 crore is allocated for state-level projects, while ₹9,340 crore supports central initiatives. The mission’s long-term vision is to prepare India for future health emergencies while ensuring equitable healthcare delivery for all citizens.
Government Support and Financial Commitment
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is jointly financed by the central and state governments. In the Union Budget 2025–26, the central government earmarked a record ₹9,406 crore for AB-PMJAY — the highest allocation since the programme’s inception. Meanwhile, between 2022–23 and 2024–25, states and union territories together spent over ₹5,000 crore to develop and operate Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, further strengthening local healthcare capacity.
A Blueprint for Global Health Models
Today, Ayushman Bharat stands as a global benchmark for inclusive healthcare reform. By combining digital innovation, institutional capacity building, and financial protection, the programme exemplifies how a developing nation can achieve large-scale health equity.
As the initiative continues to expand, its message remains clear and inspiring: healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right — and India’s Ayushman Bharat is leading the way toward a healthier, more equitable future.