The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s flagship health assurance scheme, designed to provide financial protection to economically vulnerable families. With the Ayushman Card, beneficiaries can access free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. This coverage extends to both public and private empanelled hospitals, ensuring that quality healthcare is available without the burden of high medical expenses.
The scheme primarily covers secondary and tertiary care, including hospitalization, surgeries, and critical treatments. By offering cashless services, the Ayushman Card eliminates the need for out-of-pocket payments, making healthcare more accessible to millions of households across India. This initiative has been transformative in reducing financial stress for families facing medical emergencies.
Eligibility for the Ayushman Card is determined based on socio-economic criteria, with priority given to low-income households and vulnerable communities. Once registered, families receive the card, which guarantees cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals nationwide. With over 50 crore Indians already benefiting from PM-JAY, the program has become a cornerstone of India’s healthcare system.
Launched under the National Health Policy 2017, Ayushman Bharat represents a major step toward universal health coverage. By combining preventive care through Health and Wellness Centres with comprehensive insurance coverage, the scheme embodies the principle of “No one should be left behind.” As India continues to expand healthcare access, the Ayushman Card remains a vital tool in bridging the gap between affordability and quality treatment.
