Ayushman Bharat: How Modi’s Flagship Scheme Sparked a Healthcare Revolution

In his recent address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Ayushman Bharat has “effected a revolution in public healthcare.” The flagship scheme, launched in 2018, has become one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance programmes. Designed to provide free healthcare to the poorest and most vulnerable, it has expanded access to treatments that were once out of reach for millions of Indians. From rural families in Bihar to urban poor in Delhi, Ayushman Bharat has rewritten the script of healthcare access in India.

What is Ayushman Bharat?

Ayushman Bharat, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), offers annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family. It targets around 50 crore beneficiaries, focusing primarily on low-income households. The scheme allows cashless and paperless access to healthcare services at both government and empaneled private hospitals.

(Read our detailed explainer on how PM-JAY works and who qualifies.)

Milestones achieved so far

• Over 30 crore e-cards issued to beneficiaries since inception.
• More than 6 crore hospital admissions covered under the scheme.
• Network of 28,000 empaneled hospitals, including top private facilities.
• Cashless care for critical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure.

These numbers show why Modi hailed the scheme as revolutionary. For families previously pushed into debt by medical bills, Ayushman Bharat has offered a lifeline.

Healthcare transformation on the ground

Ayushman Bharat has bridged the gap between rural and urban healthcare access. Villagers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, once forced to sell assets for surgeries, now find treatment within reach. Urban slum dwellers, too, are benefiting from expanded empanelment of private hospitals.

(Explore how healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat compares across states.)

PM Modi’s remarks

PM Modi highlighted that Ayushman Bharat is not just a policy but a movement towards inclusive healthcare. He emphasized its role in reducing out-of-pocket expenditure and praised the participation of states in strengthening healthcare infrastructure under the scheme. According to him, the programme has empowered ordinary citizens and saved countless lives.

Global recognition

International organizations have also recognized Ayushman Bharat as a model for universal health coverage. The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank have cited it as an example of how developing countries can implement large-scale healthcare reforms effectively.

Criticism and challenges

While widely praised, Ayushman Bharat has faced criticism over issues such as:

• Delays in claim settlements for hospitals.
• Variation in implementation across states.
• Shortage of empaneled private hospitals in some rural belts.

Experts argue that improving infrastructure and hospital participation will be crucial for long-term success.

Reactions from the public

For many families, Ayushman Bharat has been life-saving. Stories of cancer patients receiving free chemotherapy or mothers accessing safe childbirth services without financial strain have circulated widely. Beneficiaries describe it as “the difference between hope and despair.”

The bigger picture

Ayushman Bharat is more than an insurance programme — it represents India’s attempt to make healthcare equitable. As Modi underscored, the scheme strengthens the vision of “Health for All” and moves India closer to achieving universal healthcare.

Conclusion

Ayushman Bharat has changed the face of healthcare in India. While challenges remain, the programme’s reach and impact cannot be denied. By lifting millions out of medical poverty, it has indeed sparked a healthcare revolution, one that may redefine the country’s social fabric in years to come.