Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Completes Eight Years, Covers 600 Million People

Prelims may ask: "How many Ayushman Cards have been issued under PM-JAY as of 2024?" or "PM-JAY covers what percentage of India's population?" Mains (Essay/Answer): Evaluate PM-JAY's effectiveness in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure across India's vulnerable populations.

UPSC probes the gap between card issuance and actual utilization rates—are 485 million cards translating to proportional hospitalization benefits? Cashless claim implementation varies across states; network hospital adequacy remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. Sustainability of scheme financing and quality of care standardization across public and empaneled private hospitals need examination.

PM-JAY represents India's flagship move toward UHC and addresses healthcare inequality for 40% of population. It directly impacts Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) and reduces catastrophic health expenditure, a critical poverty-alleviation tool.

• 600 million beneficiaries covered with ₹5 lakh annual family health insurance coverage • 485 million Ayushman Cards issued over 8 years • Targets secondary and tertiary care hospitalization for Below Poverty Line (BPL) and unorganized sector workers