Before Ayushman Bharat, families sold their homes to afford treatment: Nadda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on September 23, 2026, that Ayushman Bharat, a healthcare scheme for over 60 crore Indians, now offers a ₹5 lakh annual health cover to more than 60 crore beneficiaries. This marks the largest healthcare scheme in the world, providing record savings on medical expenses for the poor and middle class.

The scheme, launched eight years ago, has already recorded over 500 crore visits at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, enhancing primary healthcare at the grassroots level. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda reported that 48.54 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, and over 13 crore individuals have availed treatment through more than 39,000 empanelled hospitals.

The funds have been utilized for hospital admissions worth over ₹2 lakh crore, benefiting millions with timely medical care and alleviating financial burdens. Nadda emphasized the profound impact of these numbers, highlighting the stories of families protected from medical debt and patients receiving necessary treatment without financial hardship.

The Ayushman Bharat program, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to strengthen an accessible, affordable, and inclusive healthcare system, ensuring quality healthcare for all citizens with dignity and without financial hardship.