In the joint sitting of Parliament today, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted major strides in healthcare initiatives across India. She announced that every Indian citizen aged above 70 years will now receive free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. This expansion aims to cover an additional segment of the population, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access.
President Murmu also emphasized the rapid establishment of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide, which are set to enhance affordable medication availability. These steps are part of India’s commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure and accessibility across the country.
Under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which is recognized as the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme globally, 55 crore beneficiaries currently receive free health services. The scheme provides coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, benefiting 12 crore families annually.
Furthermore, the Hospital Empanelment and Management (HEM) guidelines ensure the seamless integration of hospitals into the AB-PMJAY network, facilitated by State Health Agencies (SHAs). This strategic approach aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and affordability for all Indians, marking a pivotal advancement in public health policy.