Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir has earned national recognition for its work under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), with the State Health Agency (SHA), J&K, being named the “Best Performing Union Territory” for achieving full coverage of frontline health workers with Ayushman Cards.
The honour was conferred at Aarogya Manthan 2026, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, as part of celebrations marking eight years of AB-PMJAY and five years of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Virender Kumar, Nodal Officer of SHA J&K, received the award on behalf of the State Health Agency from Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, J P Nadda. The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the National Health Authority, and other dignitaries.
This achievement reflects the combined efforts of SHA J&K, Chief Medical Officers, district-level teams, frontline health workers, and field staff across the Union Territory. Their sustained work at the district and grassroots levels ensured that frontline workers were successfully enrolled with Ayushman Cards, enabling them to access the scheme’s benefits.
Officials described the recognition as a proud moment for teams across Jammu & Kashmir, adding that it strengthens SHA J&K’s ongoing efforts to expand AB-PMJAY SEHAT and ensure the scheme’s benefits reach people across the Union Territory.