Ayushman Bharat Mission

Ayushman Bharat Mission

Jagat Prakash Nadda
The healthy population is essential for the development of the country, productivity, and economic progress. This is why the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been introduced to ensure healthcare facilities for every citizen.

Ayushman Bharat, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has completed five years. This initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring quality healthcare for all citizens. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, providing health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year to approximately 11 crore poor and vulnerable families.

Ayushman Bharat's two main components include the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the creation of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs). Under the PM-JAY scheme, beneficiaries can avail free healthcare services across 29 states and union territories. The scheme covers more than 1,900 medical procedures, including surgeries and treatment for critical diseases.

The mission also focuses on the establishment of over 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) that provide comprehensive primary healthcare services. These centers aim to offer a wide range of services, including maternal and child health services, screening for non-communicable diseases, and free essential drugs and diagnostic services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayushman Bharat proved to be a significant support for millions of Indians. Many patients benefited from the cashless treatment provided under the scheme. The efforts of Ayushman Bharat have also led to improved healthcare quality, with a focus on increasing the capacity and capabilities of healthcare professionals.

Achievements and Future Goals:

• Over 13,000 hospitals are currently empaneled under PM-JAY, including both private and government facilities.
• Over 70 crore health cards have been distributed, providing direct benefits to millions of people.
• The scheme has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare for beneficiaries.

The aim is to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services and create a holistic health system that ensures universal health coverage for all. The Ayushman Bharat initiative has become a symbol of national pride and is leading the way towards a healthier India.

The mission will continue to focus on ensuring that even the remotest areas have access to quality healthcare services. The government's efforts to enhance infrastructure, train medical staff, and integrate new technologies are setting the foundation for a robust healthcare system.

By strengthening primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services, Ayushman Bharat is working towards its vision of "Health for All." The government is committed to ensuring that healthcare services are not just accessible but also affordable and reliable for every citizen in the country.