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New Delhi, May 1, 2025 – Union Ministers have hailed Ayushman Bharat as the cornerstone of a healthy and fit India, marking Ayushman Bharat Diwas on April 30 with renewed commitment to accessible healthcare for all citizens.
Ayushman Bharat Diwas is observed annually to raise awareness about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme. Since its launch in 2018, AB PM-JAY has provided insurance coverage and healthcare assurance to over 500 million people, particularly targeting rural and vulnerable populations.
A Boon for the Economically Weaker Sections
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, emphasized the transformative impact of the scheme, stating on social media platform X, “Ayushman Bharat concept is the foundation of a healthy and fit India. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Swasthya Yojana implemented in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is proving to be a boon for the economically weaker people.”
Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the comprehensive benefits of the initiative. “On this #AyushmanBharat Diwas, we celebrate the commitment to accessible healthcare for all. Through initiatives like PM-JAY and Health and Wellness Centres, millions benefit from comprehensive medical coverage, ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen,” Joshi wrote.
Comprehensive Coverage and Preventive Care
The AB PM-JAY scheme offers up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care, covering approximately 55 crore people (12.37 crore families) from the bottom 40 percent of the population. The scheme has also expanded its coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income-a significant move as India’s elderly population is projected to reach 346 million by 2050, according to a recent report by CREDAI and KPMG.
Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, noted that the scheme provides better treatment to “every village, poor and needy,” furthering the government’s goal of universal health coverage.
Expanding Health Benefits
AB PM-JAY includes over 200 packages and more than 500 procedures, spanning medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative medicine, as part of the National Health Benefits Package (HBP). The initiative not only addresses immediate health needs but also prioritizes preventive care and health promotion, making healthcare more equitable and accessible across India.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information sourced from SocialNews.XYZ as of April 30, 2025. For the latest updates and official details about Ayushman Bharat and related government schemes, please refer to official government releases and verified news sources.
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