Ayushman Bharat has completed eight years since its launch, with more than 60 crore beneficiaries now having access to annual health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh, according to the latest government figures.
The health assurance programme was launched in September 2018 with the objective of providing financial protection against hospitalisation and improving access to healthcare for eligible families. Over the past eight years, the scheme has expanded its reach across the country.
The government said the programme has helped bring healthcare closer to people, particularly those who may otherwise face financial difficulties in accessing treatment. Alongside the insurance component, the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been developed to strengthen primary healthcare services at the local level.
More than 500 crore visits have been recorded at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, highlighting the growing use of these centres for primary healthcare services, according to the government.
The eight-year milestone comes as India continues to focus on expanding healthcare access and reducing the financial burden associated with medical treatment.
The programme’s progress has also been linked with efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery beyond major hospitals and urban centres. Primary healthcare facilities are increasingly being positioned as the first point of contact for preventive and basic medical services.
The government has described Ayushman Bharat as one of the world’s largest publicly funded healthcare initiatives. The latest figures indicate the scale reached by the programme since its introduction in 2018.
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