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In a monumental achievement for India’s healthcare sector, more than ₹1.1 lakh crore has been spent to provide free hospitalization under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) since its launch in 2018. Official government data indicates that the flagship scheme, aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, has benefited over 79 million individuals by providing an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh to eligible families.
Expanding Healthcare Accessibility for Vulnerable Populations
Launched in September 2018, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was designed to extend healthcare to India’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens. Initially covering approximately 107 million households—or the bottom 40% of the population—the scheme has significantly improved access to quality healthcare for people across both rural and urban areas.
By offering a comprehensive care package that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services, PM-JAY is playing a crucial role in the government’s mission to achieve universal health coverage. The scheme not only addresses immediate medical needs but also emphasizes preventive care and health promotion, making healthcare more accessible and equitable.
Reducing Financial Hardships in Healthcare
One of the primary objectives of PM-JAY is to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on families. Prior to the scheme, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses accounted for around 62% of total health expenditure, often pushing households into debt and financial strain. By covering all costs related to treatment—including medicines, diagnostic services, and surgical procedures—PM-JAY has been instrumental in reducing these out-of-pocket expenses and protecting families from economic hardship.
Top Benefiting States and Procedures
States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat report the highest number of beneficiaries under the scheme. PM-JAY offers cashless treatment for nearly 2,000 medical procedures, encompassing an extensive range of treatments from general medicine and surgery to oncology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics. Among the most common procedures are haemodialysis, screening for COVID-19, and treatment of acute febrile illnesses.
Ayushman Cards and Expanding Coverage for Senior Citizens
To date, more than 35.5 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued to eligible individuals, granting access to 30,672 empaneled public and private hospitals nationwide. In a recent expansion, PM-JAY introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, aimed specifically at individuals over 70 years of age, providing them with a separate health cover of ₹5 lakh per year. This addition is expected to benefit an estimated 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families.
Recommendations for Extending Coverage to the “Missing Middle”
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has recommended extending the benefits of PM-JAY to India’s “missing middle” on a paid basis. According to a 2021 NITI Aayog report, approximately 400 million people—or 30% of the population—fall into this category, making them financially vulnerable without protection for healthcare expenses.
PM-JAY has undoubtedly become a transformative force in India’s healthcare landscape, strengthening healthcare delivery, reducing inequalities, and providing financial protection to millions. The scheme’s continued expansion and enhancement hold promising implications for India’s journey toward comprehensive healthcare access for all.
