Gujarat forms Urban Jan Arogya Samitis to boost Ayushman Bharat healthcare
Synopsis
Gujarat's urban health push
The Gujarat government on Monday, 4 May 2025 announced the formation of Jan Arogya Samitis in urban areas and the restructuring of existing Rogi Kalyan Samitis, as part of a broader push to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and deepen community participation under the Ayushman Bharat programme. The announcement was made in Gandhinagar and follows the transition of Ayushman Bharat Urban Health Centres into Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
What the New Structure Entails
Under the restructured framework, Jan Arogya Samitis will be constituted across urban areas, with ward members of local bodies serving as chairpersons and incharge medical officers acting as member secretaries. Non-government members will hold a tenure of two years, and the committees are mandated to meet every month with detailed minute-to-minute records maintained.
The government has earmarked annual untied funds of ₹1,75,000 at the Urban Primary Health Centre level and ₹1,00,000 at the Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir level to ensure operational autonomy for each committee.
Inclusion and Representation Mandates
The committees are required to maintain at least 50 per cent representation of women, prioritising maternal and child welfare concerns. They will also include representatives from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities, women's self-help groups, resident welfare associations, and the education department.
Notably, TB champions, cancer survivors, Persons with Disabilities, and members of the transgender community will be included as special invitees — a step that health advocates have welcomed as a meaningful expansion of grassroots health governance.
What the Health Minister Said
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya described the Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres as comprehensive healthcare hubs that go beyond curative services.
