India’s Ayushman Bharat Leading the Global Health Revolution

India’s Health Scheme on the World Map

India’s Ayushman Bharat Leading the Global Health Revolution: Launched on 23 September 2018, Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has evolved into the world’s largest public healthcare scheme. It provides ₹5 lakh cashless coverage per family per year to over 12 crore low-income households, addressing one of India’s biggest challenges—financial barriers to medical treatment.
Static GK fact: AB-PMJAY operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA).

Expanding Health Access Nationwide

The scheme ensures cashless treatment for secondary and tertiary care across 33,000+ empanelled hospitals, including 17,685 public and 15,380 private ones. By offering free access to critical healthcare, it reduces out-of-pocket expenses, which historically pushed millions into poverty.
The scheme’s design ensures inclusivity, enabling even remote villages to connect with major hospitals through digital and physical networks.

Economic and Social Transformation

According to the Economic Survey 2024–25, Ayushman Bharat has saved beneficiaries over ₹1.52 lakh crore in medical costs. This massive saving reflects the scheme’s impact on reducing health-induced poverty.
The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹9,406 crore for AB-PMJAY — the highest since its inception, reinforcing India’s commitment to universal health coverage.
Static GK Tip: India spends around 2.1% of its GDP on public healthcare, and Ayushman Bharat contributes significantly to this share.

Cooperative Federalism in Action

Ayushman Bharat follows a joint Centre–State funding model, ensuring cooperative governance. Between 2022–23 and 2024–25, states and UTs invested over ₹5,000 crore to establish and upgrade Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, improving service delivery.
This collaboration has created a uniform healthcare ecosystem, benefitting both rural and urban citizens.

The Four Pillars of Ayushman Bharat

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres, these Mandirs offer primary healthcare, including non-communicable disease screening, ENT and dental care, and emergency services.
By September 2025, over 39 crore teleconsultations had been conducted through these centres — a major step towards digital inclusion in health.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

The ABDM is building a national digital health backbone where every citizen gets a unique ABHA ID for digital records. As of 2025, over 80 crore ABHA IDs and 6.7 crore linked records have been created, enabling seamless, paperless access to healthcare.

PM–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

Launched on 25 October 2021, this ₹64,180 crore mission aims to improve hospital infrastructure, create emergency capacities, and promote medical research.
Out of the total allocation, ₹54,205 crore supports state-level projects, while ₹9,340 crore funds central schemes.
Static GK fact: The mission aligns with the National Health Policy 2017, targeting universal access to quality healthcare by 2030.

Global Recognition and Future Vision

With over 42 crore Ayushman Cards issued and 86 lakh senior citizens enrolled, India’s initiative is now recognized globally for scaling equitable healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies have acknowledged it as a benchmark model for affordable universal health coverage.
As India continues to expand its digital and infrastructural health ecosystem, Ayushman Bharat stands as a symbol of inclusivity, innovation, and public welfare.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India’s Ayushman Bharat Leading the Global Health Revolution: