Is Ayushman Bharat the Key to a Healthy and Fit India?
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Synopsis
Explore how the <b>Ayushman Bharat</b> initiative is revolutionizing healthcare in India. With over <b>500 million beneficiaries</b>, this program not only provides insurance but also emphasizes preventive care, making healthcare more accessible for all. Join the celebration on <b>Ayushman Bharat Diwas</b> and discover its profound impact on the nation's health.
Key Takeaways
- Ayushman Bharat provides insurance for over 500 million people.
- Up to Rs 5 lakh per family for healthcare coverage.
- Focus on preventive care and health promotion.
- Includes health coverage for senior citizens aged 70+.
- Over 200 medical packages available under the scheme.
New Delhi, April 30 (NationPress) The Ayushman Bharat initiative serves as the cornerstone for a healthy and fit India, declared Union Ministers on the occasion of Ayushman Bharat Diwas this Wednesday.
Every year on April 30, Ayushman Bharat Diwas is marked to promote awareness regarding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) — recognized as the largest government-sponsored healthcare initiative globally, offering assurance and insurance for over 500 million individuals.
Initiated in 2018, AB PM-JAY adeptly combines extensive care across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to ensure universal health coverage, focusing especially on rural and underprivileged communities.
“The Ayushman Bharat framework is the bedrock of a healthy and fit India. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Swasthya Yojana, executed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is indeed a blessing for the economically disadvantaged,” remarked Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, in a post on the social media platform X.
“On this #AyushmanBharat Diwas, we reaffirm our dedication to providing accessible healthcare for everyone. Through programs like PM-JAY and Health and Wellness Centres, millions receive comprehensive medical coverage, ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen,” added Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India.
This groundbreaking health initiative not only addresses urgent health requirements but also prioritizes preventive care and health promotion, making healthcare more accessible and equitable.
The program offers enhanced treatment to crores of individuals, especially reaching “every village, along with the poor and needy,” stated Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush on X.
AB PMJAY allocates up to Rs 5 lakh per family each year for secondary and tertiary care, benefiting approximately 55 crore people (12.37 crore families) from the lowest 40 percent of the population.
Recently, the scheme was expanded to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income.
This move is significant as India’s elderly demographic is projected to reach 346 million by 2050, according to a recent report by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) in collaboration with KPMG.
The AB-PMJAY scheme encompasses over 200 packages including more than 500 procedures related to medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care within the National Health Benefits Package (HBP).
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that the Ayushman Bharat initiative is a significant step toward ensuring equitable healthcare access in India. With an emphasis on the economically marginalized and rural populations, this program demonstrates a commitment to social welfare and public health. It is crucial for our nation to continue supporting such transformative initiatives.
NationPress
09/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayushman Bharat?
Ayushman Bharat is the world's largest government-funded healthcare program, providing insurance coverage to over 500 million people in India.
How does AB PM-JAY benefit the underprivileged?
AB PM-JAY offers up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care, particularly benefiting the bottom 40 percent of the population.
What is the significance of Ayushman Bharat Diwas?
Ayushman Bharat Diwas, observed on April 30, aims to raise awareness about the healthcare initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Who can avail of the benefits of AB PM-JAY?
The scheme targets the economically weaker sections, covering around 55 crore individuals and including all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
What types of medical procedures are covered?
The AB-PMJAY scheme includes over 200 packages covering more than 500 medical procedures across various specialties.
