How has Ayushman Bharat transformed healthcare for over 45 crore citizens?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ayushman Bharat has impacted over 45 crore citizens.
- More than 30,000 hospitals are empaneled, ensuring nationwide access.
- The scheme facilitates over 9.19 crore hospital admissions.
- Beneficiary satisfaction stands at 95%.
- Digital health advancements include the ABHA App with over 1.57 crore downloads.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) The prominent Ayushman Bharat initiative has positively impacted over 45 crore individuals across the nation, as noted in the latest annual report by the National Health Authority (NHA).
The report was unveiled during a two-day national review meeting in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which emphasized significant achievements, innovative developments, and the advancements made under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It also highlighted how these pivotal programs are enhancing healthcare delivery in India.
“This review signifies a crucial milestone in our endeavor to enhance digital health integration and guarantee equal access to high-quality healthcare for everyone. Ayushman Bharat, supported by its four robust pillars, has extended its benefits to over 45 crore individuals,” stated Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal (IAS), CEO of the NHA.
“To further propel our progress, the leadership from State & UT Health Authorities in digital integration and innovation will be essential in establishing it as the world’s largest transformative health initiative,” Barnwal noted.
The Annual Report 2024-25 revealed that the schemes have led to a substantial increase in health coverage, with over 9.19 crore hospital admissions facilitated under AB PM-JAY, amounting to Rs 1,29,386 crore in treatment costs.
More than 30,000 hospitals (with 55 percent public and 45 percent private) are enrolled in the scheme, ensuring comprehensive accessibility across the country. Impressively, 82 percent of beneficiaries are from rural areas.
Over 40.45 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, covering 14.69 crore families.
Moreover, the ABDM has significantly propelled digital health transformation in India, as evidenced by the creation of 76.5 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA), which are linked to 51.3 crore health records, encompassing 60 percent of the Indian population.
The ABHA App Version 3, now available in 13 languages, has surpassed 1.57 crore downloads and generates 2-3 lakh tokens daily, indicating a strong public uptake. The app features user-friendly designs, scan-and-share, and scan-and-pay modules that simplify outpatient department registration and payments.
Notably, with enhanced call center and digital grievance resolution systems, the mission has achieved a 96 percent grievance resolution rate, while beneficiary satisfaction stands at 95 percent, with 98 percent reporting positive experiences under PM-JAY and an 87 percent average call quality score.
“Digital public infrastructure in healthcare represents more than just a tool; it’s a transformative approach. The ABDM Index will serve as a crucial driver for accountability and innovation,” commented Kiran Gopal Vaska (IAS), JS and Mission Director of ABDM, while emphasizing the importance of State/UTs in advancing digital health innovation and integration for a more efficient health ecosystem.
“Care coordination serves as the link between data and dignity. The integration of ABDM with PM-JAY is a true game-changer,” Vaska concluded.