Ayushman Bharat: PM Modi Highlights Monumental ₹2.25 Lakh Crore Medical Cost Savings for Indian Families
Prime Minister Modi has lauded Ayushman Bharat for saving Indian families a monumental ₹2.25 lakh crore in medical costs, transforming healthcare access and affordability nationwide. This groundbreaking initiative, combined with Jan Aushadhi Kendras, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's commitment to universal healthcare, significantly easing the financial burden on millions.
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PM Modi Unveils Staggering Savings
Addressing a public gathering in Daman on June 5, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly announced that the Ayushman Bharat program, in conjunction with Jan Aushadhi Kendras, has empowered poor and middle-class families to save approximately ₹2.25 lakh crore in medical expenses. This remarkable figure underscores the scheme's profound impact on the financial well-being of countless households across India. The Prime Minister emphasized that healthcare remains one of the Union government's highest priorities, with the Ayushman Bharat scheme providing eligible beneficiaries with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
"Today, even the poorest citizen has access to an Ayushman Card and the assurance of free treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh," PM Modi stated, highlighting the scheme's role in transforming healthcare access and reducing financial burdens for vulnerable sections of society.
A Pillar of Financial Protection
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), often hailed as the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, has been instrumental in extending health insurance protection to over 60% of Indian families. This comprehensive coverage offers a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, ensuring that critical medical treatments are accessible without pushing families into poverty.
The impact on out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) has been significant. Government data reveals a substantial shift in healthcare financing, with Government Health Expenditure (GHE) rising from 29.0% to 48.0% between FY 2015 and FY 2022, while OOPE concurrently declined from 62.6% to 39.4%. The Economic Survey 2024-25 specifically noted that Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY has generated healthcare savings exceeding ₹1.25 lakh crore by reducing direct medical expenses for beneficiaries.
Reaching Every Corner of India
Since its inception, Ayushman Bharat has demonstrated an impressive reach, with over 41 crore Ayushman Cards issued as of September 23, 2025. These cards enable families to avail cashless treatment at a vast network of empanelled hospitals. As of October 16, 2025, over 9.19 crore hospital admissions have been facilitated under AB PM-JAY, amounting to treatment worth ₹1,29,386 crore. The scheme is operational in 33 States and Union Territories, continually expanding its footprint to ensure broader coverage.
Historic Expansion for Senior Citizens
In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet approved a major expansion of AB PM-JAY on September 11, 2024. This ensures that all senior citizens aged 70 and above now receive free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh, irrespective of their income. This compassionate move is set to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families, including an estimated 6 crore senior citizens. Eligible senior citizens are being issued a new, distinct Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, ensuring dedicated access to benefits. This historic expansion reaffirms the government's commitment to providing comprehensive health security to the elderly population. Historic Expansion: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Now Covers All Senior Citizens Above 70 marks a new chapter in healthcare accessibility for India's seniors. Additionally, PM Modi's Bold Move: Ayushman Bharat Expands to All Seniors in Historic Cabinet Decision further solidifies this commitment.
The Digital Backbone of Ayushman Bharat
Complementing the insurance scheme is the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which is building a unified digital health infrastructure for India. This mission aims to create a seamless and interoperable digital health ecosystem. A significant milestone was achieved on May 30, 2026, when ABDM crossed 90 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA). These unique 14-digit digital health IDs empower citizens with secure, consent-based access to their health information, fostering continuity of care and reducing reliance on physical records.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Beyond financial protection, Ayushman Bharat is also bolstering India's healthcare infrastructure. The scheme boasts a wide network of empanelled hospitals, with 36,081 facilities as of May 14, 2026. These include a mix of public and private hospitals, ensuring extensive healthcare coverage nationwide.
Furthermore, the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health and Wellness Centres) is strengthening primary healthcare at the grassroots level. As of May 14, 2026, there are 1,85,940 active Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country, providing comprehensive primary health care services. These centers play a crucial role in preventive health, with millions of screenings conducted for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, alongside numerous yoga and meditation sessions.
The overall vision of Ayushman Bharat is to make healthcare accessible, available, and affordable to all, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration for crores of families across India. The scheme's continuous expansion and achievements underscore a health revolution that is profoundly impacting lives. Ayushman Bharat: A Health Revolution Reaching 43.5 Crore Lives, Now Expanded to Senior Citizens provides further insight into this transformative journey.