Gandhinagar, Dec 18 (NationPress) Gujarat has claimed the title of the highest-performing state in the nation regarding claim settlements for beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri Amrutum (AB PMJAY–MA), solidifying its role as a frontrunner in public healthcare.

The state administration stated that this accomplishment signifies its dedication to providing timely, cashless, and equitable access to medical services for citizens from various economic backgrounds.

The AB PMJAY–MA initiative, which merges the Central government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme with the state-run Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana, currently serves approximately 1.20 crore families across Gujarat.

In July 2023, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the annual health insurance coverage per family was doubled from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, greatly enhancing financial safeguards against serious health issues.

Chief Minister Patel emphasized that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Swasth Gujarat, Samruddh Gujarat”, aimed at reinforcing health security for the underprivileged and middle-class populations.

He remarked that the distribution of Ayushman cards and the increased coverage have made it possible for individuals in remote and financially challenged areas to access free treatment for critical ailments, while government hospitals are also providing superior healthcare services.

As a result of the increased insurance limits, adjustments have also been made to the premium structure. When coverage was limited to Rs 5 lakh, the premium per family was Rs 2,177.10 during the time frame from July 2021 to July 2022, totaling Rs 1,681.20 crore in expenditures.

The premium was lowered to Rs 1,492 between July 2022 and July 2023, with expenditures of Rs 1,363.52 crore. Following the increase in coverage to Rs 10 lakh from July 10, 2023, the premium rose to Rs 3,708 per family.

During the fiscal year 2023–24, the state’s expenditure under this scheme reached Rs 2,676.26 crore and is projected to rise to Rs 3,210.03 crore in 2024–25.

Currently, 2,090 hospitals are registered under AB PMJAY-MA in Gujarat, comprising 1,132 government hospitals and 958 private hospitals. As of November 2025, beneficiaries can access treatment for 2,299 medical procedures and 50 Specialized Referral Services (SRS).

Officials noted that Gujarat’s top ranking in claim settlements underscores the effectiveness of its execution framework. The state has also broadened the scope of the scheme to include government employees.

In May 2025, the Gujarat administration introduced the Karmayogi Swasth Suraksha Yojana for all state government officials, employees, and pensioners.

This program offers cashless treatment benefits through AB PMJAY–MA to All India Services officers, state government personnel, fixed-pay workers, and pensioners, along with their dependents.

About 6.40 lakh beneficiaries have been enrolled under the “G” category and provided with AB PMJAY-MA cards. The impact of this initiative is evident in cases like that of 66-year-old Faruk Khimani, a small business owner from Ahmedabad.

Diagnosed with coronary artery disease, Khimani underwent coronary angiography and coronary artery bypass grafting surgery at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in May 2025, receiving Rs 5.24 lakh in financial aid under AB PMJAY-MA.

He was subsequently readmitted in December 2025 for a CRT-P implant procedure due to breathing complications.

His health has since improved, and he attributes the scheme to his ability to avoid debilitating medical costs. State officials have stated that the scheme remains vital in providing financial assurance and access to advanced medical treatment, highlighting Gujarat’s commitment to creating an inclusive and robust healthcare system.