How Many Ayushman Cards Have Been Created in Five Years?
Synopsis
In a significant health initiative, nearly 5.69 crore Ayushman cards have been created under the AB-PMJAY scheme over the last five years. This article explores the impact of this achievement on healthcare delivery and medical education in India.
Key Takeaways
5.69 crore Ayushman cards issued in five years.
5.77 crore hospital admissions authorized under the scheme.
U-WIN portal aids in tracking vaccinations.
Significant increase in medical education seats.
Healthcare workforce gap is being addressed.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Over the span of five years, from April 2020 to January 2026, approximately 5.69 crore Ayushman cards have been issued as part of the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), as reported to the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav stated in a written reply that by January 31, there have been 5.77 crore hospital admissions approved, totaling Rs. 1.15 lakh crore for private hospitals under this initiative.
In answer to a separate inquiry regarding Universal Immunization coverage, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel mentioned that as of February 8, 11.12 crore children and 3.78 crore pregnant women have been registered on the U-WIN portal.
Following each vaccination event, beneficiaries can obtain their QR code-based vaccination certificates from the U-WIN portal, she added, noting that in 2025, around 8.01 crore beneficiaries were registered on U-WIN, and digital certificates were provided to them.
During 2025, a total of 29.42 crore SMS reminders were dispatched to beneficiaries across the nation through the U-WIN portal.
The Minister of State stated that U-WIN has facilitated the tracking of children due for vaccinations. These children are digitally organized on the portal for consistent follow-ups via SMS alerts to ensure they receive their scheduled doses. Identified children, supported by frontline workers, are given their necessary vaccinations, which are recorded on the U-WIN platform to guarantee the completion of their routine immunizations.
To enhance the delivery of health services, U-WIN is currently integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), POSHAN Tracker, and SAFEVAC online platforms.
Responding to a query about medical education, Patel noted that according to the National Medical Commission (NMC), there has been an increase of 48,563 MBBS seats and 29,080 PG seats in the nation from the Academic Year 2020-21 to 2025-26.
Additionally, the government has approved the addition of 10,023 medical seats under centrally-sponsored schemes across public colleges from the financial year 2025-26 to 2028-29.
The expansion of medical seats addresses the shortage in the healthcare workforce, especially in underprivileged areas, and positively impacts the doctor-population ratio across states. The increasing number of medical seats, combined with improvements in infrastructure and faculty, has made domestic institutions more accessible to Indian students, according to the statement.
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the transformative impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The creation of 5.69 crore Ayushman cards is a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare access across India. This initiative not only improves health service delivery but also addresses the crucial need for more medical professionals. It is essential to continue supporting and expanding these programs for a healthier future.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a flagship health initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing accessible healthcare services to the economically disadvantaged population.
How many hospital admissions have been authorized under the scheme?
As of January 31, approximately 5.77 crore hospital admissions have been authorized, amounting to Rs. 1.15 lakh crore for private hospitals under the scheme.
What is the U-WIN portal?
The U-WIN portal is a digital platform that facilitates the registration and tracking of immunization for children and pregnant women in India.
How many medical seats have been added recently?
From the Academic Year 2020-21 to 2025-26, there has been an increase of 48,563 MBBS seats and 29,080 PG seats according to the National Medical Commission.
What is the significance of the increase in medical seats?
The increase in medical seats is crucial for reducing the gap in the healthcare workforce, particularly in underserved regions, and improving the doctor-population ratio.
