‘Ayushman Bharat‘ completes eight years of service as PM Modi marks a landmark milestone in public health. Highlighting the flagship scheme’s social impact, PM Modi announced that Ayushman Bharat covers 60 crore people with free annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care. The healthcare initiative has dramatically reduced out-of-pocket medical expenses for millions across India.

The massive social security initiative was launched to guarantee quality medical treatment for vulnerable economic sections, eliminating crippling out-of-pocket medical expenditures. Through systematic infrastructure expansion, the program has effectively decentralized medical access across all urban and rural regions nationwide.

How Many Beneficiaries Are Under ‘Ayushman Bharat’?

The ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme currently protects over 60 crore citizens across 36 states and union territories, providing financial security when severe medical emergencies arise. The central government has established more than 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide, registering over 500 crore total community patient visits for routine diagnostic screenings and localized medical care.

Local health centers under the initiative have completed more than 42 crore screenings for diabetes and hypertension, alongside extensive early detection screenings for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.

In addition to primary health services, the program offers nationwide treatment portability, allowing eligible families to receive specialized medical treatments outside their home states. Officials noted that nearly half of all issued Ayushman cards belong to female beneficiaries, ensuring equitable health security and long-term empowerment for women throughout India.