PM Modi Highlights Ayushman Bharat’s 7-Year Impact on Millions of Lives

Over 42 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued to 15.14 crore families across 35 States and Union Territories.

The government on Monday marked seven years of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), reporting that over 42 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued to 15.14 crore families across 35 States and Union Territories.

PM Modi, in a statement released by the PMO, said, “Today we mark 7 years of Ayushman Bharat. This was an initiative that anticipated the needs of the future and focused on ensuring top-quality as well as affordable healthcare for people. Thanks to it, India is witnessing a revolution in public healthcare. It has ensured financial protection and dignity.”

He added that “India has shown how scale, compassion, and technology can further human empowerment.”

Scheme Impact & Expansion

Launched in 2018, AB-PMJAY provides up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Initially designed for vulnerable sections, the scheme now also includes all citizens above 70 years of age.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 6 crore hospital admissions have been authorised since launch, covering treatment worth ₹78,000 crore. About 28,000 hospitals are empanelled under the scheme, nearly half of them in the private sector.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the initiative had “strengthened access to quality healthcare while protecting families from catastrophic medical expenses.” Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav called it “a step towards universal health coverage through equity and inclusion.”

State-wise data released by the National Health Authority shows Uttar Pradesh leading in card generation with 5.3 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 4.4 crore and Assam with 1.7 crore. Smaller States and Union Territories such as Goa, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep have issued fewer than one lakh cards each.

The government has linked the scheme with broader health financing shifts. An official release said the share of public spending in health has risen from 29% to 48%, while out-of-pocket costs have fallen from 63% to 39%.

Officials also claimed the scheme prevents more than six crore families every year from falling into poverty due to medical expenses.

Looking Ahead

The Centre said Ayushman Bharat will continue to expand under the umbrella of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and through a growing network of Health and Wellness Centres. The programme is positioned as a key component of India’s universal health coverage strategy.

As the government highlights its scale and impact, health policy experts have noted that independent data will be critical to measure the scheme’s real effect on out-of-pocket spending and poverty reduction.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News