Since its launch in September 2018, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has significantly transformed healthcare access for millions of Indians. Offering free health cover of ₹5 lakh annually, the scheme has provided hospitalisation benefits worth over ₹1.29 lakh crore and continues to be a critical pillar in reducing healthcare-driven poverty in India.
More than 90 million people have benefited from PM-JAY to date. Initially targeting around 107 million poor households—approximately 40% of India’s population—the scheme has notably lowered out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, which previously accounted for 62% of healthcare costs. States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat have seen the highest number of beneficiaries.
In September 2024, the government expanded the scheme to offer free health cover to all senior citizens aged above 70, regardless of their income status, benefitting approximately 60 million individuals. Overall, more than 400 million Ayushman cards have been issued and around 31,907 public and private hospitals have been empanelled under PM-JAY.
PM-JAY covers nearly 2,000 procedures, ensuring that beneficiaries receive cashless treatment for a range of services, including treatment costs, medicines, diagnostics, and hospital stays. Popular specialities among users include general medicine, infectious diseases, general surgery, medical oncology, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics.
Frequently availed procedures include haemodialysis, Covid-19 screening, multiple healthcare packages, and treatments for acute febrile illnesses. Recognising the scheme’s impact, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has highlighted the need to also cover the ‘missing middle’; approximately 400 million people currently lack health insurance, as identified in a Niti Aayog report from October 2021.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has substantially strengthened healthcare affordability and accessibility for India’s poorer sections and senior citizens. With continued expansion, it remains one of the country’s most significant healthcare initiatives.
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Published on: Apr 28, 2025, 1:55 PM IST
Team Angel One
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