Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Ayushman Bharat program for revolutionizing healthcare access in India, covering over 60% of families and easing financial burdens on the poor and middle class. Addressing a public event in Daman, he emphasized healthcare as a top priority for the government, focusing on uplifting the underprivileged and middle-income groups. Modi highlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme, offering health coverage of up to Rs five lakh to eligible beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister underscored that even the most economically disadvantaged citizens now have access to an Ayushman Card, ensuring free treatment up to Rs five lakh. He mentioned the government’s efforts to support the scheme through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and digital health initiatives. According to Modi, the Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras have collectively saved poor and middle-class families close to Rs 2.25 lakh crore in medical expenses.
Modi also pointed out the positive impact on health indicators, with over 90% of births now occurring in hospitals and child immunization coverage rising from 60% to nearly 90%. He highlighted the significant increase in health security, with Ayushman Bharat drastically expanding health insurance coverage compared to pre-2014 levels. The Prime Minister commended the enhanced healthcare infrastructure in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, including the establishment of a medical college, postgraduate courses, and NAMO hospitals in Silvassa and Daman.
He expressed confidence that the region’s residents would benefit from improved healthcare services. Modi particularly noted the substantial gains for women in healthcare reforms, especially in maternal care, institutional deliveries, and health coverage.
