New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the transformative impact of Ayushman Bharat, launched on this day in 2018, calling it a revolution in public healthcare that ensures both financial protection and dignity for its beneficiaries.
The flagship medical insurance scheme provides annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh, extending benefits to economically disadvantaged individuals and all senior citizens above 70.
On X, Modi said, “Today we mark seven years of Ayushman Bharat. This initiative anticipated the needs of the future, focusing on delivering high-quality and affordable healthcare to all. Thanks to it, India is witnessing a revolution in public healthcare, ensuring financial protection and dignity. India has shown how scale, compassion, and technology can enhance human empowerment.”
An official account, tagged by the Prime Minister, noted that the scheme covers over 55 crore citizens, calling it the “world’s largest health assurance program.” So far, more than 42 crore Ayushman cards have been issued.
The initiative has also driven up government health expenditure from 29% to 48%, while reducing out-of-pocket costs from 63% to 39%. “Millions of families have been spared from financial ruin due to illness,” the statement said, emphasizing that the scheme protects over six crore families from poverty every year.
