Launch and Milestone Journey
Ayushman Bharat Seven Years of Healthcare Transformation: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) was launched on 23 September 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand. It remains the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, covering over 55 crore citizens.
The scheme provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family, offering cashless and paperless treatment at empaneled hospitals. Over 10.30 crore hospital admissions worth ₹1.48 lakh crore have been authorized in just seven years.
Static GK fact: Ranchi also hosted the launch of India’s first tribal university in 2019, reflecting the city’s growing role in welfare initiatives.
Expanding Coverage
Ayushman Bharat began with targeted sections but has steadily expanded. By 2022, coverage reached 12 crore families. In 2024, ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, and their families were included. From October 2024, senior citizens aged 70+ were granted automatic coverage through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
Nearly one crore gig and platform workers are also being integrated, reflecting recognition of India’s evolving workforce.
Static GK Tip: India’s gig economy is projected to employ 23.5 million workers by 2030.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health and Wellness Centres) function as the primary access point for healthcare. These centers provide preventive, diagnostic, and essential services, ensuring rural and remote populations are not excluded.
This decentralized network strengthens primary healthcare, reducing dependence on tertiary hospitals.
Static GK fact: The Bhore Committee Report of 1946 first emphasized the importance of primary healthcare in India.
Financial Protection and Dignity
The scheme reduces out-of-pocket expenditure, a key burden in India where healthcare costs push millions into poverty each year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the program a “revolution in public healthcare”, highlighting how it safeguards both dignity and financial stability of families.
By integrating technology, compassion, and scale, Ayushman Bharat is redefining how welfare programs operate in India.
Static GK Tip: According to WHO, out-of-pocket health spending should be less than 15% of total health expenditure, but in India, it historically exceeded 50% before schemes like PM-JAY.
Towards Universal Health Coverage
The 7-year journey reflects India’s determined progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With its expanding beneficiary base, strengthening infrastructure, and focus on vulnerable groups, Ayushman Bharat is not just a welfare scheme but a people’s movement in healthcare.
India’s global example shows how a developing country can scale public health with innovation and inclusivity.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Ayushman Bharat Seven Years of Healthcare Transformation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme launch date | 23 September 2018 |
| Launch location | Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| Beneficiaries covered | Over 55 crore people |
| Annual cover amount | ₹5 lakh per family |
| Hospital admissions | 10.30 crore+ |
| Authorized treatments | ₹1.48 lakh crore worth |
| Families covered | 12 crore (as of 2022) |
| New inclusions | ASHA, anganwadi workers, senior citizens 70+ |
| Gig workers | Nearly 1 crore being added |
| Ayushman Arogya Mandirs | 1.8 lakh+ operational |
