Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Revolutionizing India's Primary Healthcare at Over 1.86 Lakh Locations
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Introduction
India's healthcare landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation with over 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operational nationwide. These centers are delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services, significantly improving accessibility, affordability, and overall well-being for millions across the country. This monumental initiative marks a paradigm shift in public health, moving beyond a selective approach to a more holistic model that prioritizes community well-being and preventive care. The success of this expansive network is a testament to India's unwavering commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every citizen, particularly those in rural and underserved regions.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: A Vision for Holistic Health
Originally known as Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), these vital primary healthcare facilities were officially renamed Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in November 2023. This rebranding came with the inspiring tagline, 'Arogyam Paramam Dhanam', which translates to 'Health is the Supreme Wealth', emphasizing a shift towards promoting holistic wellness rather than solely addressing illness.
The core objective behind the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is to redefine India's public health system by offering inclusive and comprehensive healthcare services at the grassroots level. This initiative is a crucial component of the broader Ayushman Bharat program, which was launched in 2018 to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017. These Mandirs are designed to expand healthcare access, improve service delivery, and upgrade infrastructure by transforming existing Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) into vibrant community engagement spaces.
An Expansive Network Across the Nation
The scale of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network is truly impressive. As of July 24, 2026, more than 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across India. This figure represents significant progress, demonstrating the Centre's continued efforts to scale up primary healthcare infrastructure nationwide. These centers are strategically located to bring healthcare closer to people's homes, especially in remote and rural areas, thereby overcoming geographical barriers and reducing the burden of travel and associated costs for patients.
The expansion reflects a rapid growth from 1,83,879 operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs reported as of January 31, 2026. For instance, Odisha alone has operationalized 7,379 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs against a target of 8,662 centers for 2024-2026, significantly strengthening primary healthcare delivery in the state, particularly in tribal and remote regions.
Beyond Basic Care: The Spectrum of Services Offered
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are not just upgrading facilities; they are expanding the scope of primary healthcare services dramatically. They offer an expanded package of 12 comprehensive healthcare services, moving beyond traditional maternal and child health services. These include:
- Care during pregnancy and childbirth, along with neonatal, infant, childhood, and adolescent health care services.
- Family planning, contraceptive services, and other reproductive health care.
- Management of communicable diseases, including national health programs, common communicable diseases, and outpatient care for acute simple illnesses.
- Crucially, screening, prevention, control, and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers. Screenings for hypertension have reached 39.50 crore, and for diabetes, 36.70 crore, as of November 30, 2025.
- Care for common ophthalmic (eye) and ENT problems, and basic oral health care.
- Mental health support to address psychological concerns.
- Palliative and rehabilitative care for long-term patients and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- First-level care for emergencies and trauma.
Furthermore, these centers provide free essential medicines and diagnostic services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. As of November 30, 2025, 82% of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have rolled out all expanded packages of services. The initiative also focuses on health promotion and disease prevention through community engagement and education, including yoga and wellness sessions, with over 6.54 crore such sessions conducted by November 30, 2025.
Digital Integration for Enhanced Access
A significant aspect of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network is its integration with digital health technologies. These centers are being linked with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) through ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account), electronic health records (EHRs), and telemedicine platforms. This digital integration supports continuity of care and enables patients to access specialist consultations through teleconsultation services without having to travel long distances. This technological advancement is a cornerstone of India's Healthcare Revolution: Health Minister Reviews Ayushman Bharat: PMJAY and Digital Mission Driving India's Healthcare Revolution, ensuring that modern healthcare solutions are accessible at the last mile.
Transforming Health Outcomes and the Road Ahead
The operationalization of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs marks a transformative step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in India. By delivering comprehensive primary healthcare that is universal and free, these Mandirs aim to increase population coverage, reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (which decreased from 60.6% in 2014–15 to 39.4% in 2021–22), and decongest secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
While challenges such as workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, and uneven implementation across states have been noted in some studies, the overall evidence indicates that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have laid a strong foundation for comprehensive primary healthcare. The continuous investment in people, systems, and community participation will be crucial to consolidate these gains and further enhance their role in advancing equitable primary health care in India. These centers are a testament to the fact that India's Healthcare Revolution: Over 1.86 Lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Transform Primary Care, bringing about a profound positive change in public health.
Conclusion
With over 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs now operational nationwide, India is steadily progressing towards a healthier future for all its citizens. These community-centric health hubs are not merely clinics but pillars of wellness, embodying the spirit of 'Arogyam Paramam Dhanam'. By providing an extensive range of accessible, affordable, and comprehensive primary healthcare services, coupled with digital integration, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are truly revolutionizing healthcare delivery and bringing quality health and well-being within reach of every Indian. The continuous efforts to expand and strengthen this network promise a robust and resilient healthcare system for generations to come.