Ayushman Bharat PM-Jay scheme introduced by PM Modi marks six years since launch

The Ayushman Bharat PM-Jay (ABPMJ) scheme introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23rd, 2018 marked six years since on Monday.

Celebrating the day, the Ministry of Health took to their X account and posted, "Celebrating 6 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY!Here's to 6 years of making healthcare affordable for millions.Each Ayushman card represents hope and access to quality care. Let's continue to strive for a healthier India where everyone thrives!"

Earlier on September 11, the Union Cabinet had approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).


With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

All members of the eligible families, irrespective of age, are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including 49 percent of women beneficiaries. The public has benefitted to the extent of over Rs. 1 lakh crore under the scheme.

Later, the Government of India, in January 2022 revised the beneficiary base under AB PM-JAY from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering India's decadal population growth of 11.7 % over 2011 population. The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits.