New Delhi [India]: BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda, alongside Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attended a significant MoU signing ceremony between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoH&FW), Government of Odisha, for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday.
During the event, JP Nadda emphasized the remarkable reach of Ayushman Bharat, stating that the scheme now covers 61 crore individuals, which constitutes 45 percent of India’s population.
“Today, we are combining Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) with Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (G-JAY) and launching it in Odisha. This is a historic moment that will benefit the common people of Odisha,” said Nadda. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “In 2015, as Health Minister, I had the privilege of chairing the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where we discussed Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The idea of Ayushman Bharat took root then, and today, we are witnessing its impact.”
Highlighting its scale, Nadda described Ayushman Bharat as the world’s largest and fastest health coverage initiative. “It’s entirely digital, giving India a significant position in the digital world. Out of 140 crore people, 10 crore 74 lakh families—about 55 crore individuals—are covered. This was later extended to Anganwadi and ASHA workers, adding nearly 36 lakh families. Recently, under the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), 6 crore more people joined. Today, 61 crore individuals, or 45 percent of the population, are covered,” he said.
Nadda further elaborated on the program’s impact:
- Since 2018, there have been 8 crore 19 lakh hospital admissions under the scheme.
- Over ₹1 lakh crore has been spent to support marginalized sections of society.
- Cancer cases have seen 90 percent early detection due to Ayushman Bharat.
- Women’s health-seeking behavior has significantly improved.
- The program covers 27 medical specialties.
He also pointed out the economic benefits of the initiative, noting that reduced health expenditures have lowered non-performing assets in micro-financing, enabling better financial stability for beneficiaries.
This integration of PM-JAY with Odisha’s G-JAY represents a landmark achievement in India’s journey toward equitable healthcare for all.