Written by : Jayati Dubey
January 24, 2025
He commended the Modi government for its efforts in transforming India’s healthcare system, noting a three-fold increase in healthcare budget allocation—from INR 37,000 Cr in 2013-14 to INR 98,000 Cr today.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently described the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) as the most impactful public welfare scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the inauguration of a trust-run cancer hospital and sanatorium on Dumas Road in Surat, Shah stated, “Under this scheme, nearly 60 crore citizens are eligible for free treatment of up to INR 5 lakh.”
The newly inaugurated cancer hospital, built by a trust at a cost of INR 250 Cr, will provide treatment to patients holding Ayushman Bharat cards, Shah confirmed.
He commended the Modi government for its efforts in transforming India’s healthcare system, noting a three-fold increase in healthcare budget allocation—from INR 37,000 Cr in 2013-14 to INR 98,000 Cr today.
Highlighting advancements in medical education, Shah pointed out that the number of medical colleges in India has risen from 387 in 2014 to 766, effectively doubling the annual production of MBBS doctors from 51,000 to 1.15 lakh.
Shah also acknowledged the government’s efforts in promoting the AYUSH sector, improving access to clean drinking water, and encouraging sports for better immunity and resistance among citizens.
He emphasized that these initiatives reflect the government’s holistic approach to improving health services nationwide.
In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the people of Odisha following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the state.
The MoU signed between the National Health Authority and Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Department, aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to millions across the state.
PM Modi emphasized the scheme’s potential to deliver quality healthcare, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups such as women and the elderly.
Additionally, the Odisha Chief Minister announced plans to establish Ayushman Bharat Mandirs in every Panchayat, further enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural regions.
With this development, Odisha has become the 34th state to adopt AB PM-JAY, which will now be integrated with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).