How Have AB-PMJAY and Jan Aushadhi Kendras Transformed Healthcare for the Middle Class Over the Past 11 Years?

New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) The flagship initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Jan Aushadhi Kendras under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) have profoundly improved healthcare access for the middle class over the last eleven years, according to an official statement released on Thursday.

“In India, healthcare has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past eleven years. The government has made quality healthcare affordable and accessible for millions, particularly the middle class, through a combination of targeted public initiatives and digital advancements,” the statement noted.

As of May 30, more than 41.02 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued across 33 states and union territories, establishing AB-PMJAY as one of the largest publicly funded health assurance programs globally.

This initiative has facilitated 8.59 crore hospital admissions valued at Rs 1,19,858 crore, providing access to secondary and tertiary care without burdening families with debt, the statement added.

Additionally, the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has surged to 16,469 as of May 30, up from a mere 80 in 2014, making essential medicines widely available to the general public.

These centers offer medications priced 50 to 80 percent lower than branded alternatives, adhering to strict quality standards from WHO-GMP certified suppliers.

The scheme caters to approximately 10 to 12 lakh people daily, with cumulative savings over the past eleven years estimated to exceed Rs 38,000 crore, the statement highlighted.

The product range now encompasses 2,110 medicines, including treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions, as well as 315 surgical products, alleviating financial pressure for countless families, especially within the middle class.

“From free hospitalization for senior citizens to affordable medicines available nationwide, citizens now have improved control over their healthcare costs. The digital infrastructure supporting these initiatives has simplified enrollment, access, and tracking. This transformation has enabled the middle class to enjoy savings on medications, timely treatments, and enhanced medical security without bureaucratic hurdles,” the statement emphasized.

“Throughout the past eleven years, the government has demonstrated unwavering dedication to uplifting the middle class in significant ways. The policies and reforms implemented have alleviated daily challenges while enhancing financial security, housing, healthcare, and skill development,” it concluded.