AB-PMJAY: The World’s Largest Public Health Scheme
Launched on September 23, 2018, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This scheme has become a global benchmark for universal healthcare delivery.
As of October 2025, more than 42 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, benefitting over 12 crore vulnerable families. Over 33,000 hospitals are empaneled under the scheme 17,685 government and 15,380 private facilities ensuring citizens receive cashless and paperless treatment.
Economic Impact and Achievements
AB-PMJAY has saved Indian households more than ₹1.52 lakh crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses. It has also brought healthcare within the reach of senior citizens, with over 86 lakh elderly beneficiaries enrolled under special Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards.
Budgetary Strength
The Union Government continues to prioritize healthcare with a ₹9,406 crore allocation for AB-PMJAY in the 2025–26 budget. The steady budget growth from ₹6,556 crore in 2019–20 to ₹9,406 crore in 2025–26 shows the government’s firm commitment to expanding universal healthcare.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Primary Care at the Grassroots
The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) form the foundation of primary healthcare. These upgraded health and wellness centers offer an expanded range of services from maternal and child health to non-communicable diseases, palliative care, and mental health support.
Over 39.61 crore teleconsultations have been conducted through AAMs as of September 2025, ensuring medical advice reaches even the most remote regions. These centers provide free essential drugs, diagnostics, and teleconsultation services, significantly reducing the urban-rural health gap.
Digital Revolution: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is modernizing India’s health infrastructure by digitally linking clinics, hospitals, and laboratories. With over 79 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) created, citizens can now maintain seamless digital health records accessible anywhere in the country.
The mission’s integrated digital ecosystem connects 4.18 lakh health facilities and 6.7 lakh healthcare professionals streamlining diagnosis, treatment, and referrals across all levels of care.
PM-ABHIM: Building Health Infrastructure for the Future
Launched on October 25, 2021, the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) addresses systemic gaps in health facilities and disease surveillance. With a ₹64,180 crore outlay for 2021–2026, it is India’s largest health infrastructure investment since 2005.
This initiative strengthens laboratories, health research centers, and hospitals across India to prepare for future health emergencies and pandemics, ensuring resilience in the public health system.
Towards Universal Health Coverage by 2047
Ayushman Bharat embodies the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, ensuring that every citizen regardless of income or location can access quality healthcare. Together, AB-PMJAY, AAMs, ABDM, and PM-ABHIM create a comprehensive framework for universal health access by Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
