PM Modi Hails 8 Years of Ayushman Bharat, World’s Largest Health Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked eight years of Ayushman Bharat, India’s flagship public health assurance programme. He highlighted the scheme’s expansion and its role in making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched on September 23, 2018. The programme provides cashless hospitalisation cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family each year for eligible beneficiaries.

In a social media post, Modi said the scheme was launched with the objective of ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare. He described Ayushman Bharat as the world’s largest healthcare scheme.

Scheme Has Expanded Its Reach

According to the Union Health Ministry, more than 48.51 crore people had received Ayushman cards by September 21, 2026. The scheme covers around 33% of India’s population.

The programme has also supported around 13.25 crore hospital admissions. These treatments have involved expenditure of approximately ₹2.03 lakh crore under the scheme.

Moreover, beneficiaries can access treatment through a network of more than 38,000 empanelled public and private hospitals. This network allows eligible families to receive cashless treatment for covered procedures.

Focus on Reducing Medical Expenses

One of the key objectives of AB PM-JAY is to reduce the financial burden of major medical treatment on vulnerable families.

Hospitalisation costs can create significant financial pressure, particularly for families with limited incomes. By providing financial protection for secondary and tertiary care, the scheme aims to reduce the need for families to pay large medical bills from their own resources.

The government says the programme has helped strengthen financial protection within India’s healthcare system. At the same time, its implementation depends on beneficiary awareness, hospital participation and access to empanelled facilities.

Ayushman Bharat Has Multiple Components

Ayushman Bharat extends beyond the PM-JAY insurance component. The broader programme includes four major pillars aimed at strengthening different parts of India’s healthcare system.

These include AB PM-JAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs focus on primary healthcare. Meanwhile, the Digital Mission seeks to create a more integrated digital health ecosystem. PM-ABHIM focuses on strengthening health infrastructure and preparedness.

Together, these initiatives form part of the government’s stated approach towards universal health coverage.

Coverage Extended to Senior Citizens

The government has also expanded eligibility under Ayushman Bharat in recent years.

In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved health coverage under AB PM-JAY for all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income. The decision was estimated to benefit around 4.5 crore families, covering approximately six crore senior citizens.

Eligible senior citizens receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually. Those already covered through an AB PM-JAY family can receive an additional top-up benefit for themselves.

This expansion brought a larger section of the elderly population under the scheme.

West Bengal Joins Nationwide Rollout

Another major development came in June 2026, when West Bengal became the 36th state or Union Territory to implement AB PM-JAY.

The move completed the nationwide rollout of the scheme across India’s states and Union Territories. The National Health Authority and the West Bengal government signed an agreement to implement the programme in the state.

The development expanded the scheme’s formal reach and marked another step in the government’s effort to provide nationwide health coverage.

Government Highlights Wider Health Reforms

While marking the eight-year milestone, the government also placed Ayushman Bharat within a wider healthcare reform programme.

Other initiatives include affordable medicines through the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, efforts to make medical devices more affordable and expansion of medical education infrastructure.

The Prime Minister has previously highlighted the growth in medical institutions and seats as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and medical education.

These measures complement the financial protection provided through Ayushman Bharat.

Eight Years of India’s Health Coverage Drive

Eight years after its launch, Ayushman Bharat has become a major component of India’s public healthcare system. The latest government figures show a substantial expansion in beneficiary coverage, hospital admissions and financial assistance.

The programme has also evolved through wider coverage for senior citizens and the integration of digital health and primary-care initiatives.

As Ayushman Bharat enters its ninth year, the government’s focus remains on expanding access to healthcare while strengthening the infrastructure supporting it. The eight-year milestone highlights the scale of India’s ongoing effort to move towards broader and more affordable health coverage.