New Delhi: Ayushman Bharat, India’s flagship health assurance scheme, has completed eight years of operation, now providing coverage to more than 60 crore beneficiaries across the country. Since its launch, over 13 crore people have received treatment worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore through a network of over 39,000 empanelled public and private hospitals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the milestone with a message on social media, calling Ayushman Bharat the world’s largest health assurance initiative. He noted that the scheme has significantly eased the burden of healthcare costs for millions of Indian families, offering an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh to more than 60 crore citizens. According to the PM, the scheme has helped reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for poor and middle-class households alike.
He also spoke about the expansion of healthcare access through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which have together recorded more than 500 crore visits — a figure he described as reflective of the government’s ongoing commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
During the scheme’s eight-year journey, hospitalisation and treatment worth approximately Rs 2 lakh crore have been availed, while 48.5 crore Ayushman cards have been issued to eligible beneficiaries nationwide.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda also highlighted the scheme’s human impact, emphasizing how it continues to shield countless families from the financial strain of medical emergencies.