Daijiworld Media Network - Bihar

Gaya (Bihar), Jun 7: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, continues to transform the lives of millions of Indians, offering free medical treatment worth up to ?5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospital care.

In Bihar’s Gaya district, the impact of this flagship scheme is evident in the story of Lalan Chaudhary, a farmer from Nalanda. Currently receiving treatment at Magadh Medical College in Gaya, Lalan has benefited from free surgery, medicines, accommodation, and meals—all covered by his Ayushman Bharat card.

“The hips of both my legs were damaged. I’ve been under treatment for the last one and a half months, and it’s all being done free of cost through the Ayushman card,” Chaudhary told. “Where would poor people like us get ?5 lakh for treatment? We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Medicines, food—everything is taken care of. This is a very good scheme.”

Chaudhary first heard about the scheme when a government outreach team visited his village. “They helped us make the Ayushman card at home itself. Now, many people in our village are benefiting from it,” he added.

His story is just one among millions across India, reflecting the broader transformation in healthcare access over the past decade. By combining digitisation, public sector participation, and targeted welfare initiatives, the government has brought affordable healthcare within reach for many who previously faced financial barriers.

Crucially, Ayushman Bharat addresses the needs of the “missing middle”—families who are neither poor enough for traditional subsidies nor wealthy enough for private insurance. By ensuring access to timely hospitalisation and treatment, the scheme protects families from catastrophic medical expenses.

As of May 30, 2025, over 41 crore Ayushman cards have been issued across 33 States and Union Territories. These have enabled over 8.5 crore hospital admissions, covering treatments worth Rs 1.19 lakh crore. A robust network of nearly 32,000 empanelled hospitals—both public and private—ensures that beneficiaries like Lalan Chaudhary receive uninterrupted care.

In October 2024, the government further expanded Ayushman Bharat’s reach by extending coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income status. This move has particularly benefited middle-class elderly citizens burdened by rising medical costs.

Complementing Ayushman Bharat, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has also transformed access to affordable medicines. From just 80 outlets in 2014, the network has grown to 16,469 Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide, providing high-quality generic medicines at 50-80 per cent lower prices than branded drugs—all certified by WHO-GMP standards.

Together, these flagship schemes are revolutionising India’s healthcare landscape, bridging the gap between policy and people, and making the right to health a lived reality for millions.