India’s flagship health initiative, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has solidified its position as the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme by achieving nationwide penetration. With the integration of all states and union territories including Odisha and Delhi in 2025 the program now covers every corner of the country, delivering twin pillars of primary wellness and secondary/tertiary hospitalization protection.

A cornerstone achievement is the operationalization of over 182,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs upgraded sub-centres, primary health centres, and urban health wellness centres providing free essential drugs, diagnostics, yoga sessions, and preventive screenings. These facilities focus on non-communicable diseases, maternal/child health, and community outreach, shifting emphasis from curative to holistic wellness.

Complementing this is the issuance of more than 420 million Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) cards unique 14-digit digital IDs enabling seamless, portable health records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Citizens can access cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family annually at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals, with claims processed digitally for transparency and speed.

Since inception, AB-PMJAY has recorded over 7 crore hospital admissions valued at approximately ₹1 lakh crore, saving families billions in out-of-pocket expenses. Women constitute over 50% of beneficiaries, with significant utilization in cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, and critical care.

Digital integration remains a game-changer e-cards, Scan & Share OPD tokens, and linked health records reduce paperwork, wait times, and fraud. States like Bihar (91% digital OPD) and Andhra Pradesh exemplify successful adoption.

The scheme’s convergence with state programs and portability across borders ensures no eligible family is left behind, aligning with the vision of “Health for All.”