PM Modi highlights Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi for affordable healthcare progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reiterated India's significant strides in making quality healthcare affordable and accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations, through the flagship initiatives of Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). In a post on X on June 14, 2026, Modi highlighted a 12-year trajectory of strengthening public health systems, which has notably reduced treatment costs and expanded medical education. This emphasis comes as both schemes demonstrate substantial progress, even while navigating persistent challenges. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), recognized as the world's largest government-funded health insurance program, now provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care, with over 43.52 crore Ayushman Card issued by February 2026. Similarly, the PMBJP has expanded its network to over 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by early 2026, offering generic medicines at 50-80% lower prices and saving citizens over Rs 40,000 crore, with a target of 25,000 Kendras by March 2027. However, both programs face hurdles: Ayushman Bharat grapples with issues like patient rejections, payment delays, and fraudulent claims, while PMBJP encounters challenges in public awareness and doctor reluctance to prescribe generics. Looking ahead, the government plans to further expand the Jan Aushadhi Kendra network, aiming for 25,000 outlets by March 2027, focusing on rural and underserved areas, and leveraging partnerships with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. Efforts will also continue to address the implementation gaps in Ayushman Bharat, including improving hospital empanelment criteria and ensuring smoother cashless treatment experiences. Meanwhile, the broader digital health infrastructure, spearheaded by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, is set to evolve, aiming for seamless integration of health records and services as India pushes towards universal health coverage under its 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision.