In a continued effort to ensure quality healthcare access to the underprivileged, the Bihar state health department will launch a special drive to issue Ayushman cards at the panchayat level from May 26 to 28. The announcement was made by Health Minister Mangal Pandey during an orientation workshop for 68 newly enlisted private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Highlighting the state’s progress, Pandey shared that Bihar has issued 3.75 crore Ayushman cards so far, with 2.8 crore cards made in just the past 14 months. This puts Bihar at the third spot nationally in terms of card issuance. The initiative has already helped 20.5 lakh people access free healthcare, with the government spending around ₹2,670 crore since the scheme’s launch in 2018. Notably, ₹1,000 crore was spent in the 2024-25 financial year alone to provide medical treatment to the poor.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending high-quality healthcare to the most vulnerable, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He also acknowledged the crucial role of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach the poorest sections of society.
Currently, 1,173 hospitals, including 587 private facilities, are empaneled in Bihar under the Ayushman scheme. Minister Pandey encouraged the newly added hospitals to familiarize themselves with the scheme’s operations and to conduct internal orientation programs to better serve beneficiaries.
So far, 1.57 crore families in Bihar have been brought under the Ayushman umbrella, covering 3.75 crore eligible beneficiaries. Among them, 2.33 lakh elderly individuals above the age of 70 have received the special Ayushman Vaya Vandana card. Across India, around 29,000 hospitals are listed under the scheme, offering free treatment to millions.
Health Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh also addressed the workshop, emphasizing that participants received comprehensive guidance about the implementation and goals of the Ayushman schemes.
The upcoming card drive aims to bridge the remaining gaps, especially in rural areas, ensuring that no eligible family is left behind in accessing critical healthcare support.
