What is Nanu Bhai’s Journey with Ayushman Bharat’s Knee Surgery?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ayushman Bharat is a major healthcare initiative in India.
- Nanu Bhai received free knee surgery under this scheme.
- The program offers coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually per family.
- It benefits over 12 crore vulnerable families.
- PM Modi’s personal engagement adds a human touch to the scheme.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) As Ayushman Bharat, a key initiative of the Modi administration, marks its seventh anniversary, Nanu Bhai from Gujarat has gained attention for receiving a complimentary knee surgery and personal ‘guidance’ from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public gathering.
The social media platform Modi Story highlighted Nanu Bhai's experience, recounting his intense knee pain and the financial burden he faced due to the high costs of knee surgery at private medical facilities.
Thanks to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Nanu Bhai not only had his surgery done at no cost but also received reimbursement for his travel expenses, a benefit he never expected.
Prior to the operation, Nanu Bhai struggled to walk unassisted due to severe pain in both knees. After obtaining his Ayushman card, he had the surgery at a private hospital without any charges for the procedure or medications, and even the Rs 300 auto fare was covered by the scheme.
In a heartfelt video, he recalls the personal advice from PM Modi about maintaining fitness.
“When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him at the event in Dahod, he took the time to personally check on his health behind the scenes. PM Modi remembered Nanu Bhai's knee surgery and sincerely advised, ‘Now reduce your weight, only then will you reap the full benefits of the surgery,’” stated the popular X account.
Nanu Bhai, filled with gratitude, expressed, “On that day, Modi ji spoke to me as lovingly as my mother would.”
It is worth noting that the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), recognized as the largest healthcare initiative globally, was initiated on this very day in 2018. This program provides millions with free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh, accessible not just in government hospitals but also in private facilities.
Under this scheme, families can avail health coverage of Rs 5 lakh annually for secondary and tertiary hospital care, benefiting over 12 crore impoverished and vulnerable families (around 55 crore individuals), making up nearly 40% of the population.