Ayushman Bharat Turns 8: Over 60 Crore Beneficiaries Covered Under PM-JAY

More than 60 crore beneficiaries have been covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) since its launch in 2018, according to data released by the Union health ministry on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also marked eight years of the flagship healthcare scheme, highlighting its role in expanding access to affordable medical treatment across the country.

PM Modi Marks 8 Years Of Ayushman Bharat

“Eight years ago, Ayushman Bharat was rolled out with the idea that every Indian should have access to top-quality and affordable healthcare. Today, more than 60 crore beneficiaries have access to Rs. 5 lakh annual health cover, making it the largest healthcare scheme in the world,” Modi said in a post on X.

He said the scheme had helped reduce medical expenses for beneficiaries, particularly those from poor and middle-class families.

Modi also highlighted the role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in strengthening primary healthcare, saying the centres had recorded more than 500 crore visits.

“My best wishes to all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. #8YearsOfAyushmanBharat,” he added.

48.5 Crore Ayushman Cards Issued

According to the health ministry, nearly 48.5 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued under the scheme so far.

Around 13 crore people have availed themselves of free treatment through PM-JAY, with the value of hospitalisation and treatment under the scheme estimated at around ₹2 lakh crore.

Nearly 39,000 public and private hospitals across the country are currently empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.

What Is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides eligible beneficiaries with health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

The scheme is designed to provide cashless healthcare at empanelled hospitals and reduce the financial burden of major medical treatment on eligible families.

The health ministry said the programme has continued to expand access to quality and cashless healthcare across India.

“From expanding healthcare access to reducing financial barriers to treatment, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY stands as a landmark of India’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all,” the ministry said.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Expand Primary Care

Alongside PM-JAY, the Ayushman Bharat programme includes the network of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which focuses on strengthening primary healthcare and bringing essential health services closer to communities.

The government said these centres have crossed 500 crore visits, reflecting their expanding role in delivering primary healthcare at the grassroots level.

The eight-year milestone comes as the government continues to position Ayushman Bharat as a key component of its efforts to expand healthcare coverage and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenditure.