Ayushman Bharat: How India's Largest Health Insurance Scheme Is Transforming Rural Healthcare

India has one of the largest populations in the world, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens is a tremendous challenge.

- Dr Shrikrishna M.

In rural areas, where healthcare facilities are sparse, and financial constraints often prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical care, the situation is even more critical. Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) aims to address these disparities and bring affordable healthcare to millions of underserved Indians. By providing insurance coverage for hospitalizations, Ayushman Bharat is rapidly transforming rural healthcare across the country.

● What is Ayushman Bharat?

Ayushman Bharat is India's flagship national health insurance program, intended to provide free access to healthcare for economically vulnerable individuals. Often dubbed the "world's largest government-funded healthcare program," Ayushman Bharat has two main components:

Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): With over 150,000 centers planned, HWCs aim to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health services, and mental health care.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): This component provides secondary and tertiary care insurance coverage up to INR 5 lakh per family per year. Covering over 500 million people, PMJAY ensures that beneficiaries can access quality healthcare without the financial burden that often accompanies hospitalization.

Transforming Rural Healthcare

Ayushman Bharat is especially impactful in rural areas, where healthcare access has historically been limited. Here's how the program is transforming rural healthcare across India: