President Droupadi Murmu has reaffirmed the profound impact of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), declaring that the scheme has directly benefited more than 11 crore citizens by providing free access to hospitalisation and essential medical care. The President’s comments came during a special address on January 25, 2026, where she described the initiative as a “lifeline for the poor and vulnerable” that has brought dignity and financial security to families facing serious illnesses.

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat remains the flagship health assurance programme of the Government of India, covering approximately 55 crore individuals from economically disadvantaged households identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and expanded state-specific criteria. Each eligible family receives an annual cover of ₹5 lakh on a floater basis, with no restrictions on age, gender, or number of family members. The scheme covers over 1,900 procedures across 27 major specialties, including high cost treatments such as cancer care, cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, neurosurgery, and neonatal intensive care.

The President highlighted key achievements: more than 420 million Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created, enabling seamless digital health records and portability across states; over 7 crore hospital admissions have been authorised with claims exceeding ₹1 lakh crore; and women constitute more than half of the beneficiaries, reflecting the scheme’s strong focus on maternal and family health. Cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals has eliminated out of pocket costs for covered services, protecting families from debt traps and asset sales often associated with medical emergencies.

Integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has further strengthened the programme. Beneficiaries can now access their health records, book appointments, and track claims through the Ayushman app or ABHA-linked services. The scheme’s nationwide portability ensures care continuity for migrant workers and families seeking treatment in different states.

President Murmu also praised the role of frontline health workers, empanelled hospitals, and state governments in driving utilisation, particularly in high burden states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. She noted that the programme’s success lies in its focus on dignity ensuring that no family is denied treatment due to financial constraints.

The remarks reinforce the government’s commitment to expanding Ayushman Bharat’s coverage and deepening its impact through digital integration, increased hospital empanelment, and awareness campaigns. With ongoing efforts to include more families and procedures, the scheme continues to evolve as one of the most ambitious public health insurance programmes globally.