New Delhi, Jun 10: As Narendra Modi has become the longest serving democratically elected prime minister of India in consecutive terms, a document released by the government on Wednesday highlighted India’s healthcare sector transformation over the last 12 years, with expanded health insurance coverage, improved maternal and child healthcare and a significant increase in medical infrastructure.
The government’s booklet ‘Lok Seva Mein Pradhan Sevak Ke 11 Varsh’ stated that the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, has issued more than 43 crore Ayushman cards.
The scheme provides free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually and has treated over 12 crore patients, resulting in savings of more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore for beneficiaries.
According to the booklet, the government has allocated over Rs 9,500 crore for AB-PMJAY in the current financial year to further strengthen health assurance coverage.
In maternal healthcare, over seven crore free antenatal check-ups have been conducted under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), aimed at ensuring safe pregnancies and reducing maternal mortality. The maternal mortality ratio has declined from 130 deaths per one lakh live births in 2014 to 88 in 2026, a reduction of about 32 per cent, according to the booklet.
The government has also expanded access to affordable medicines through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. More than 15 lakh people are purchasing low-cost medicines daily through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, generating savings of over Rs 40,000 crore for citizens through discounts on medicines, implants and medical devices.
The booklet also mentioned that over 105 crore sanitary napkins have been sold at a subsidised price of Re 1 under the Suvidha initiative.
Under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, more than four crore free dialysis sessions have been provided to patients suffering from serious kidney ailments.
The government document further stated that over seven crore people have benefited from Amrit Pharmacies, which provide medicines for critical illnesses at affordable rates. The Centre has set a target of establishing 500 such pharmacies across the country.
Primary healthcare delivery has received a boost through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs by bringing healthcare services closer to communities. According to the booklet, over 60 crore cancer screenings have taken place, and over 42 crore have availed tele-consultations, bringing healthcare services closer to communities.
The booklet also highlighted a significant expansion of medical education and health infrastructure. The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to more than 800 in 2026, while MBBS seats have risen from 51,348 to 1,28,976, and postgraduate medical seats have increased from 31,185 to 85,822.
The number of AIIMS institutions has nearly tripled from eight to 23 during the period.
Public expenditure on health has also increased sharply. Health budget allocation has risen from Rs 35,163 crore in 2014 to Rs 1,06 530 crore in 2026, while the AYUSH budget has grown from Rs 1,272 crore to Rs 4,408 crore. The share of government health expenditure has increased from 29 per cent to 48 per cent, reflecting a reduction in out-of-pocket spending by citizens.
The booklet stated that institutional deliveries have reached 96 per cent in rural areas and 98 per cent in urban areas. Full immunisation coverage under Mission Indradhanush has crossed 98 per cent, while more than 220 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide.
It also noted that tuberculosis incidence declined by 21 per cent between 2015 and 2024, nearly double the global average rate of decline.
The booklet also highlighted that more than 87 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs have been generated, enabling citizens to create and access digital health records seamlessly across healthcare facilities.
Additionally, to improve cancer care, customs duty has been fully exempted on 17 critical cancer medicines, making treatment more affordable for patients. The Centre has also announced plans to establish day-care cancer centres in all district hospitals over the next two years to improve access to specialised treatment closer to people’s homes.
The government has additionally launched a nationwide drive for free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. (PTI)
