President Droupadi Murmu has highlighted the significant impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, stating that nearly 11 crore Indians have received free medical treatment under the flagship healthcare initiative. Her remarks underscore the scale and importance of the program in expanding access to quality healthcare for economically vulnerable sections of society.

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat—officially known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)—aims to provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenses. The scheme offers health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. President Murmu’s statement reflects how the program has evolved into one of the world’s largest government-funded healthcare schemes.

According to government data, Ayushman Bharat has enabled millions of beneficiaries to access treatment for serious illnesses without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses. Beneficiaries have received care across a wide range of medical services, including cardiac procedures, cancer treatment, orthopedic surgeries, and emergency interventions. The scheme has played a crucial role in reducing healthcare-related financial distress, particularly among low-income households.

President Murmu emphasized that the success of Ayushman Bharat lies in its focus on inclusion and accessibility. By covering economically disadvantaged families and ensuring cashless treatment at empaneled public and private hospitals, the scheme has helped bridge long-standing gaps in India’s healthcare system. Rural populations and marginalized communities, who often struggle to afford quality medical care, have been among the primary beneficiaries.

The program also leverages digital technology to enhance transparency and efficiency. A nationwide digital platform supports beneficiary identification, hospital empanelment, and real-time claim processing. This technology-driven approach has helped streamline operations and minimize delays in treatment, ensuring that patients receive timely care.

In addition to treatment coverage, Ayushman Bharat is built on a broader vision of healthcare reform. It includes the development of Health and Wellness Centres, which focus on preventive care, early diagnosis, and management of chronic diseases. Together, these components aim to shift India’s healthcare system from a treatment-centric model to a more comprehensive, preventive approach.

Health experts have noted that reaching 11 crore beneficiaries represents a major milestone in India’s journey toward universal health coverage. However, they also stress the importance of continuous improvement, including expanding hospital capacity, strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring consistent quality of care across regions.

President Murmu’s remarks reaffirm the government’s commitment to healthcare as a fundamental right and a key pillar of social welfare. As Ayushman Bharat continues to expand, policymakers are focusing on improving service delivery, increasing awareness among eligible families, and integrating the scheme more closely with other public health initiatives.

Overall, the milestone of 11 crore beneficiaries highlights Ayushman Bharat’s transformative role in India’s healthcare landscape. By reducing financial barriers and improving access to essential medical services, the scheme has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s efforts to build a more equitable and resilient healthcare system.