The Indian government introduced the world’s most extensive health coverage program, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), in 2018. As of October 2025, more than 42,17,58,675 Ayushman Cards have been issued, facilitating over 10,40,33,937 medical treatments valued at nearly ₹1.3 lakh crore. This initiative offers a complimentary health insurance package of ₹5 lakh per household annually, cementing its status as the globe's largest government-backed medical scheme.
Since its 2018 inception, the Ayushman Bharat program has assisted millions of households in accessing cost-free hospital care across the nation. The administration continuously broadens the scheme's scope to ensure no low- or middle-income family suffers financial strain due to healthcare expenses. Coverage now extends to all citizens aged 70 and older, ASHA and Anganwadi personnel, and countless underprivileged families. The enrollment process has also been simplified through comprehensive digital accessibility.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, widely recognized as PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a national medical protection initiative launched by the Indian government in 2018. It provides cashless medical services worth up to ₹5 lakh annually per family at authorized public and private healthcare facilities.
Essentially, if any eligible family member requires surgery or treatment for serious conditions, the government covers the expenses directly. Beneficiaries do not need to pay out-of-pocket costs, as the entire process is digital and cashless. This program was created to support families who previously found high-quality medical care unaffordable.
Key Highlights
| Program Title | Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) |
| Launch Date | 23 September 2018 |
| Managed By | National Health Authority (NHA), India |
| Annual Protection | ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care |
| Coverage (2025) | Over 15 crore families (80+ crore citizens) |
| Network Hospitals | 32,000+ facilities nationwide |
| Beneficiary Cost | Zero - Fully government-funded |
| Extended Coverage | Extra ₹5 lakh for citizens aged 70+ (Ayushman Vaya Vandana) |
| Helpline | 14555 (toll-free, 24/7) |
| Official Portal | pmjay.gov.in |
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat?
The scheme targets economically vulnerable households identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. If your family is already in the official database, there is no need to apply separately. Eligibility criteria vary based on whether you reside in a rural or urban setting.